Name/Title
Woman's Shawl (Macana, or Paños de Gualaceo)Entry/Object ID
2026.3.19Description
The Macana, or Paños de Gualaceo is a traditional shawl worn by women in Ecuador's Azuay province. This fine cotton shawl features a dark background adorned with light floral designs created using the ikat dyeing technique with indigo. Its warp fringes (el fleco) are knotted and enhanced with needlework that displays floral designs, birds, the Spanish coat of arms, and the message "VIVA ESPAÑA" — Long Live Spain. Interestingly, the tassels at the ends of the shawl are dyed turquoise, instead of the white that is more common. These tassels may be original, or may have been switched from white ones. This shawl was likely made for a special event, or to show prestige. 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