Kilaya/Samay Kinti Quinatoa

Country: Ecuador

Tribal affiliation(s): Kisapincha people of Ambato, Ecuador

Items sold: Handmade and naturally dyed cotton fabric ancestral clothing and accesories.

How to purchase:

Instagram: IG: @Kilaya.ec

Bio:

KILAYA is a project led by Indigenous women from the Kisapincha people of Ambato, Ecuador. It originated as an initiative that blends ancestral Andean knowledge with contemporary sustainable practices to create ecological products. The project fosters intercultural dialogue, supports local economic development, and strengthens community leadership among Indigenous women.

KILAYA emerged as an innovative response to the socio-environmental challenges facing the Andean páramos, high-mountain ecosystems that serve as vital water sources for the country. Grounded in strong territorial and cultural roots, the project weaves together economy, sustainability, and ancestral wisdom at the local level.

By combining eco-design with traditional textile techniques, KILAYA revitalizes practices such as weaving, embroidery, and natural dyeing, all while incorporating green technologies throughout its production processes. The project positions itself as a sustainable alternative to the highly polluting conventional textile industry, offering a new perspective from the Andes to the global market.

KILAYA produces a wide range of items, including clothing, home décor, and accessories that reflect a deep connection to the land, artistic expression, and the Andean worldview. Each piece is crafted with respect, intention, and environmental awareness, embodying the principles of the circular economy.