Washcloth,Ayate Fiber

Description

The native term ayate describes loose woven products such as nets, bags, and various garments from the agave or century plant. Part of a living tradition that dates back over 10,000 years, the styles and techniques of these artifacts are as old as Mesoamerican culture itself. Cultivated in Mexico, the agave not only inspired the beginnings of agriculture, but was the well of religion. The plant provided both needle and thread, cloth, furniture, baskets, rugs, blankets, brushes, bridles, paper, soap, shelter, food, candy, drink, and medicine. Little wonder then that the Aztecs revered the agave and personified it as the goddess Mayahuel. From the hands of an indigenous people and the heart of a sacred tradition, the quality and value of the ayate has endured and will survive well into the future. Try it and see.