Belen Picuasi
Traditional Kiwcha hat maker
Ecuador
Belen Picuasi is a Kiwcha woman from Ilumán in Imbabura, Ecuador, where she was raised and born and still lives today. The tradition of handcrafted hat making is rooted in her family since ever. And she and her sisters learnt from her father and mother. The family is preserving this art since over 300 years.
For the Ecuadorian indigenous people Kichwa the “sombrero” is a large part of their cultural identity. It can represent their city, it can represent their community. There are over 178 traditional representations.
The collection of huts in her house and in their hostal is truly beautiful. If you are interested in visiting them, please check out: https://www.unaymuchiku.com/
