Mama Llama Handcrafts was born in the heart of Ecuador, where our founder, Maryanne Chiriboga (MC), spent over a decade working to uplift underserved communities. Her journey led her to support indigenous women, Afro-Ecuadorians, and struggling artists—providing them with funding, training, and encouragement to develop their craft.
MY STORY
Suddenly on my own after raising four children in California, I intended to study for an MBA, but I was drawn to another field of Management studies, INTERNATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT. Once completing the Master’s program I obtained a position in Ecuador and after a year I branched out on my own, starting a Foundation and seeking
funding for various marginal groups’ development projects. As I traveled the country working with diverse populations; Indigenous artists of Otavalo, Afro-Ecuadorian artist
community on the coast and the blended community of Colonial Spanish heritage, I was impressed by the diversity of artistic expressions of this small South American country.
Fascinated by their creativity, always identifying as a creative myself, led me to seek out artists who would share with me the techniques of their art. I had the good fortune of
meeting talented handcraft artists at the top of their game. Be it fused glass jewelry, handmade beadwork utilizing material from nature, coconut shell from the coast, native
seeds, and nuts from the Amazon forest, to create unique and beautiful pieces of adornment.
The Art of Handcrafting
FUSED GLASS
One of the first creations that piqued my interest was that of KILN-FIRED fused glass jewelry. Finding a studio that taught this practice, CARMA MANUELIDADES, I began a 2-year learning process under the guidance of talented and seasoned experts. Much patience and practice is required for this task as I learned the delicate balance between creativity and technical skill.
Technique
A pre-cut piece of glass is placed on a firing plate, painted with the desired colors and pattern, hardware such as hooks are attached then topped with a plain piece of glass the same dimensions as first and fired in a KILN. It is a meticulous process; the only way you learn is by making mistakes. Creating perfect kiln-fired fused glass items is challenging, it requires patience and persistence. This is the reason it takes time to master.
BEADWORK
Another craft that impressed me was Bead working. This is an intricate art form requiring again patience and perseverance. Starting with design to reflect pride in their heritage the Indigenous artist out the use of color and design that holds meaning for them. Reflecting the unique design and color scheme are not by accident. They are well planned expressions of their culture, heritage, and identity as native citizens. The choice of materials is significant as well: traditionally using simple handmade tools, natural pigments, and locally sourced materials. This ensures the piece they create is not only unique but sustainable and rooted in the land they celebrate.
THE ART OF BEADSTRINGING
The making and wearing of beads among the native tribes can be traced far back in time. Not only used for adornment but also currency, in ceremonies, and to denote status. Beads used in Ecuador are made from natural materials: the most prolific the TAGUA NUT or vegetable ivory that grows on a variety of Palm tree Other natural mediums utilized are coconut shell, ocean shells, beans and seeds. I learned the art of bead stringing from a Kichua vendor couple I became friends with by staying at their house watching them create and practicing, practicing, practicing. It is not an easy craft, but they have devised simple tools to make it more efficient. Handcrafting is an age-old tradition that has been passed down through generations. It involves creating items by hand, often using traditional techniques and tools. This method not only ensures the uniqueness of each piece but also allows for a personal touch that mass-produced items lack. Mama Llama Handcrafts is committed to preserving this tradition and ensuring that every item in their store is crafted with care
and personality.