24/08/2026
By supporting AkuRuka, you help preserve ancestral Mapuche weaving traditions while supporting the economic independence of women artisans in southern Chile. 🤝
AkuRuka was born to support the entrepreneurship project of Mapuche-Pehuenche women from the Lonquimay region in the southern Chilean Andes by helping bring value to their ancestral textile art 🧶 and connecting their work with world markets they otherwise would not have access to.
We work alongside Mapuche women weavers from southern Chile who create handwoven wool tapestries, table runners, and textile home decor using traditional Mapuche weaving techniques passed down through generations. 👵 Every piece is handcrafted on a traditional loom using ethically sourced sheep wool, making each textile a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
🐑 The entire process is done by hand, following ancestral techniques that have been preserved for centuries. It begins in the Andes mountains of southern Chile with the shearing of the sheep. The wool is then cleaned, hand-spun, and naturally dyed using native plants, herbs, and natural dyes. 🍂🧅 Finally, each design is carefully woven by hand on a traditional loom, creating authentic artisan textiles that carry the story, culture, and craftsmanship of the weaver behind them.
Each woven textile is unique — no two pieces are exactly alike. Small variations in color, texture, and weaving are part of what makes handmade artisan work special.
By supporting AkuRuka, you directly support the sustainable economic independence and entrepreneurship of Mapuche women artisans, helping preserve ancestral textile traditions while creating fair income opportunities for rural communities in southern Chile.
Thank you for being part of this story. 🫶
