Handmade Shigra — Model 02
The shigra is an ancestral accessory of Ecuador's indigenous peoples and nationalities. Its production is concentrated in the highlands, in the provinces of Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, and Chimborazo, where the weaving technique and the fiber-dyeing process for cabuya have earned worldwide recognition. The raw material comes from mature cabuya leaves (agave), split into long strands and soaked for 15 days to remove pulp residue. Once selected, the strands are dyed with plant-based pigments and hand-woven onto an oval base that expands upward into zigzag colors, shapes, and figures. Crafting time can range from 15 days to 6 months, depending on the design's complexity. Originally a personal bag for carrying 'cucayo' (a field snack) and gathering fruit, the shigra is now seen on fashion runways in New York, Paris, and Milan.
Made with care
Heirloom quality
Premium materials
Classic styling
Materials
Handwoven 100% by hand with natural cabuya fiber (penco/agave) or sheep wool, hand-dyed with plant-based pigments by artisan communities in the Ecuadorian highlands (Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, and Chimborazo).
Care
Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking or heavy rain exposure. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its shape and colors.
Details
Each shigra is entirely handwoven using a technique passed down for generations among Ecuador's highland communities. Weaving time ranges from 15 days to 6 months depending on the complexity of the pattern. Its colors and zigzag motifs are inspired by nature and tell the stories of the people who make it — no two pieces are exactly alike.