Handcrafts at Primitivo's

An authentic Tastil store

Right in front of Santa Rosa de Tastil Site Museum, a store of authentic handcrafts enchants the visitor.

Upon entering, Primitivo Yapura welcomes and politely answers every query, telling the origin of the objects for sale and -also- a little of his personal history. He was a sailor in Buenos Aires, serving in the naval biology service port, then a bricklayer and finally a craftsman.   

Scarves, sweaters, hats, blankets and socks made of sheep or llama wool fill the display tables. Everything is knitted by his wife Mercedes.

Also beautiful slippers and felt hats, a type of non-woven textile that is made by binding together several layers of wool or animal hair, with a lot of pressure and heat. The result of this operation is the typical agglomerate of northwestern Argentina.

A separate area is dedicated to his own creations made of cardon wood, such as bread baskets, napkin holders, candlesticks, picture frames and trays.

On the thick adobe walls hang tapestries by local artisans replicating the design of the beautiful dancer from Tastil.

A shelf in the corner contains medicinal herbs and plants: pupusa (for altitude sickness), muña muña (to "push" love), airampo (purple dried cactus flowers), rica rica (for mate), verbena or cedron. Notorious are the rose petals dried in the sun; the arid climate of the Puna manages to maintain its attractive pink color.  

There are also the distinctive miniature llamas made of wool or woven cactus, as cute as they are lively.

In the background, a radio from another time plays music to the picturesque scene at Primitivo's place, one of those that @tripticity_ always appreciates and enjoys, as much as the unmissable purchases in his store.