Name/Title
Woman's Shawl (Macana, or Paños de Gualaceo)Entry/Object ID
2026.3.13Description
The Macana, or Paños de Gualaceo is a traditional shawl worn by women in Ecuador's Azuay province. This fine cotton shawl features a light background adorned with darker geometric patterns created using the ikat dyeing technique with indigo. Its warp fringes (el fleco) are knotted and enhanced with needlework that displays floral designs, the Ecuadorian coat of arms, and the text "REPUBLICA DEL ECUADOR 1946", "BLANCA PALOMA", and "A QUIEN ADORABA" — Republic of Ecuador 1946; White Dove, Whom I adored. The other macramé side of the shawl displays the same images, but different text. It reads "DEJANDO TU NODO", and "BOLANDO CE FUE" — Leaving your nest, Flying away. This shawl was likely made by a mother for her daughter for her wedding. In the past, threads made of black sisal (agave americano latino) were used to tie the ikat design on the cotton warp. The tying and dyeing of the ikat warp were done by women while the warping and weaving were done by men. Originally, the weaving was done on a backstrap loom with a circular warp.Acquisition
Accession
2026.3Source or Donor
Teresa Lemon SheproCredit Line
Gift of Teresa Lemon SheproTextile Details
Technique
Warp ikat, macraméEthnography
Cultural Region
County
GualaceoProvince
AzuayCountry
Ecuador