Guarda pampa

Guarda Pampa The ancient inigenous Indians of Argentina the ‘mapuches’ were known as crafters or ‘weavers of the loom’ who created intricate patterns of geometric designs known as ‘guarda pampa’. The ‘mapuches’, the predominant group of Indians living in South America more that 5000 years ago were the creators of this simple yet sophisticated design. At a glance these designs containing geometric patterns using staggered crosses, rhombuses and double triangle shapes seem simple but to the ‘mapuches’ there was meaning in each design. The weaves represented hierarchy and the thread colors represented much more, black was associated with nobility and red referred to blood or the bravery of a soldier. The designs containing cruses, diamonds, and triangles are known as string symbols; both the top and bottom are a mirror of each other representing the images of mountains mirrored in the reflection of the beautiful lakes in Argentina. When the European settlers arrived in the Patagonia South of Argentina, they found themselves lacking in many essential items which included clothing. The settlers adopted from the ‘mapuches’ their customs and materials using the loom and leather techniques of making clothing locally. The influence of the ‘mapuches’ on the settlers was profound, causing an adoption of the wide use of traditional design including the use of the ‘guarda pampa’ which became the symbol of the southern region of Patagonia associated with rural work and gaucho traditions. These designs can be found in traditional clothing such as ponchos, bracelets, belts and bandannas. Today the ‘guarda pampa’ is a noble symbol of Argentina, originated by the Indians of Southern Patagonia and adopted by the Europeans, it now represents the fusion of the two cultures into the present. When you buy quality clothing and accessories with these traditional symbols from Old Ombu you are getting a piece of the history of Argentina, which color will you wear red or blue?