Ikat Ecuadorian Shawl

Antique indigo ikat rebozo with crochet ends. It comes from the Azuay Valley, a (territorial subdivision) in the south-central region of Azuay Province, Ecuador. Shawls from this area are of cotton yarn and decorated in the warp ikat technique. The ikat technique is done on the middle section of the threads while the ends are crocheted into panels featuring pictorial elements, in this case, a central coat of arms flanked by birds in trees, with the initials of the weaver at the bottom. The very far ends are tied into fringes, so the length of the shawl is basically of continuous threads, which at some areas are woven while at others are crocheted and fringed at ends.