C O M PA S S
WOV E N
Narratives
Modernity threatens a centuries-old Bolivian
weaving tradition, but Ponchos Rojas is here to help
strengthen its connections to the world
I n t e rv ie w Patrick Kasingsing P H O T O G RA P H Y Ponchos Rojas
Hi! Please introduce yourselves.
My name is Ana Catalina Rojas de Merkel. I was born
and raised in Bolivia, but now I live in Brooklyn, New York
with my husband Greg Merkel who is from Colorado. We
both love design. We met studying architecture and have
been together ever since, and this has led us to fall in love with
the rich textile history of Bolivia and the high Andes. And we
want to share it with the world.
The high plateau of Bolivia and Peru has been the cradle of
South American cultures for centuries, and these cultures
developed one of the most advanced and beautiful weaving
traditions of the ancient world. These techniques have lasted
the test of time and the curve of history, but modernity is
threatening to erase this weaving knowledge from history.
You mentioned in your website that you’ve fallen
in love with the beauty and artistry of the Mollo’s
weaving tradition. What about it exactly set it apart
from other weaving traditions that inspired you to
help preserve this artform?
The Mollo culture predates the Inca civilization
and are thought to be the direct descendants of
the Tiwanaku culture. They have a rich tradition of
embroidered and woven fabrics, and are well known for
their triangular patterns representing rivers, mountains
and stars, as well as their detailed embroideries that
capture both the sacred and everyday symbols of life.
When we went and visited them, we were blown
away by their beautiful and detailed clothing as well as
by their hospitality.
Can you tell us a bit about how you started Ponchos Rojas?
Our company Ponchos Rojas is the culmination of
many intersecting interests and passions. Our love of nature,
family and a passion to know where we come from have
led us to travel throughout Bolivia. We do this to see the
beautiful natural environments, experience the local customs
and learn from the fascinating history this area has.
What struck us the most in our travels was that there is a
sharp divide between the young and old generations in the
countryside. You travel to the small towns throughout the
campo (Spanish for grass plains) and there are no young adults
carrying on the traditions of their parents. And these traditions
aren’t really written down – everyone weaves from memory.
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