Tuntiak Lagoon

Sericulture Workshop by the Morales Family

The weaving of clothing and accessories with natural silk is carried out by the Morales-Iñiguez family enterprise, in the town of Quiringue, Chicaña parish, Yanzatza canton, Morona Santiago. The Association of Social Development ISMI has been dedicated to the sericulture or breeding of the silkworm for 30 years. They produce cocoons by means of a set of techniques, to later obtain the precious thread, with which they weave scarves, shawls, shawls, ponchos, wallets, jackets and all kinds of ties. The initiative began as a thesis project by Sergio Morales. When he died, his sister Matilde, with the support of the whole family, gave continuity to the company. Since she was 14 years old she has been involved in silk processing and weaving. In addition, nationally and abroad, she has received training in design, dyeing, loom weaving and spinning. Obtaining silk takes time. It begins with the cultivation of mulberry, a species of tree with abundant leaves that are the main food of the worm. After a few months, the cocoons are spun, de-gummed and dyed. Natural products are used for dyeing, such as cochineal (pink, lilac), annatto (grey), guabo (dark tones), purple cabbage (blue) or some types of leaves (green). The weaving is done on homemade looms. The Association of Social Development of Quiringue is considered the best enterprise in its segment of production, from Zamora Chinchipe and Ecuador.