In the first row of the textile panel you will find antique, pre-Colombian weavings from different parts of Bolivia. Each has a different use. They are all made with natural materials.

In the second row you will see the typical shawl of the “cholita” from La Paz (a copy of the vicuña shawl). You will also learn to differentiate alpaca, vicuña and llama wools and the synthetic fibers.

In the third row are textiles used by present day Aymaras . They are all synthetic fibers and have many uses—one of which is to carry babies on one’s back.

A Here you will see that the Aymara continues to pay homage to the Mother Earth (Pachamama). You can hold a llama fetus and learn about these customs. We also have on display several magic articles used for both black and white magic. Magic has been part of the Aymara culture for thousands of years and it still exists.

You will learn to distinguish between the older clothing traditions still used in many places in the country and the more modern Aymara clothing used in the city. There is interesting information as well about the La Paz “chola” costume which has a colorful history.

In this corner you can try the “tostada” which is a between meals snack in the countryside. This is an ancient custom that is still enjoyed. You will learn about “tunta” and “chuño” (freeze dried potato) and the famous “pasankalla” which is huge popcorn with a sugar coating. During the winter, this popcorn is heated and popped in clay pots over a llama dung and wood fire.

Here you will find information about how you can help people in the cities of La Paz and El Alto where there are many areas with severe poverty. You can help children who are hospitalized but cannot pay their bills, street children and orphans in the state orphanages.

You can also assist people who protect domestic animals in the city and wild animals on the reserves in the tropical areas. Both domestic animals and wild animals brought to the city suffer from abuse and neglect.

Seeing the poverty on the slopes of the city of La Paz and in the city of El Alto, the number of children hospitalized in poor conditions and children unable to attend school, the Hotel Rosario together with AYNI has decided to organize three campaigns to help these people.