Rari Horse Hair Craft

Rari is a small village south of Santiago in Chile. Here, 200 years ago, a specific form of horsehair weaving originated. This technique has been passed down unchanged: the horsehair is washed, dyed, and woven by hand into small figures.


Their typical motifs reflect elements of the rural world, typically flowers and butterflies, and sometimes religious and country imagery. These objects have kept their expressive and ornamental purposes over the many years. Outside of their decorative qualities they are often functional. These function fall into 3 categories: for the body- earrings, necklaces; for their homes- cup holders, bookmarkers, and lastly objects related to religious rituals- scenes from the Bible and rosaries.