Stitching Stories: Diving into the world of Ao po’i

In South America, there’s a type of cultural tapestry that is just as vibrant as its country. The traditional craft of ao po’i is not only an intricate form of art, but also one with decades of history behind it.

Ao po’i means “fine cloth” or “delicate garment” in Guarani. This name was originally given to weaving made on looms. Though its name is very delicate, the actual process of creating one is very labor intensive and requires a lot of skill and patience. Dyed cotton is first converted into thread and then a light, porous like cloth is woven. This is called “pilar” and is left to dry in the sun after being placed in water and yucca starch. Now that the weaves are strong, each embroidery is cut, marked, and sewn by hand. There are many types of stitches one can do, such as ju'i rupi' (stitch of several small dots), punto cruz (a cross stitch), punto piña (pineapple stitch), etc. 

Going back to the 18th century, Dr. José Gaspar Rodriguez of France (Paraguay’s dictator at the time), had closed the country’s border with no way of importation of products. Women were forced to make their own clothings through spinning cotton into weave and embroidery. This technique is now known as ao po’i. 

Yataity del Guairá is a small village near Asuncion, capital of Paraguay, which is specifically known for their ao po’i and craftsmanship. Every November, they get ready for something called the “Typical Vestments Market” that allows hundreds of artists to show off their pieces. A little over 2000 people in this district are dedicated to this craft and have it as their source of employment. 

Now, traditional crafts like ao po’i are beginning to get lost in today’s technological society, but there has been an interest in promoting Paraguay’s culture by local artists, institutions, and museums. Organizations such as Fundación Texo and UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage are designed to raise awareness on indigenous arts and not lose important traditions. As we celebrate the artistry of Ao Po'i, we should also recognize the role it plays in preserving cultural identity and fostering community pride.