Trenzados de Cutemu is an initiative that emerged in 2016, seeking to revitalise the traditional craft of ligún wheat straw braiding, an ancient variety of wheat that is still used for braiding wheat straw. Trenzados de Cutemu integrates the work of one designer and a group of craftswomen from the town of Cutemu, commune of Paredones, O'Higgins region. The group works in the transmission of this craft, as well as in the design and development of new pieces, in the selling, and in the historical and material research of basketweaving, a craft which has been in Chile for more than 200 years.
As a group, they aim to revitalise the craft with a respectful view that considers the capabilities and potentials of the territory. Trenzados de Cutemu also seeks to contribute to the local and territorial development of the locality. Currently, this craft is alive in Chile in only two artisan communities who sow and harvest ancient varieties of special wheat for braiding. Trenzados de Cutemu has carried out several cultural exchanges between the two braiding communities in order to share and nurture the continuity of the craft.
Trenzados de Cutemu
