“El Colte” is located between the towns of Cachi and Seclantas, in the Argentine province of Salta. It is also known as the “Way of the Craftsmen“.
Along the roadside, you’ll find Noemi Pastrana, a dedicated farmer and shepherdess, skillfully working skeins of wool. Noemi’s journey into the world of wool began with her work as a sheep shearer.
Driven by her curiosity, Noemi delved into the art of spinning, weaving, and the intricate processes of dyeing, warping, design, and weaving. “All of it is done with love,” Noemi emphasizes as she carefully handles the skeins.
Dyeing is a craft that demands time, patience, and numerous experiments. Noemi meticulously boils water in large pots and adds dyes to create the perfect hues. She then immerses the skeins until she achieves the precise color she envisions for her exquisite fabrics.
In these rustic stalls and family homes scattered throughout the Calchaquí Valley, cherished traditions are lovingly upheld and passed down through the generations.
Valle Calchaqui, Salta, Argentina.
© Nicolás Preci
