Artesanías de Chile

The nonprofit Artesanías de Chile was launched a decade ago by Luisa Durán, the wife of former President Ricardo Lagos. The fair-trade organization sells extraordinarily well-made arts and crafts by some of the most skilled artisans from all of Chile. The selection of colorful and attractive handicrafts at their two main locations (plus a location in the international wing of the Santiago Airport, for last-minute purchases) includes woven blankets and ponchos, wool shawls, traditional Mapuche nickel and silver jewelry and brooches, Pomaire-based clay kitchenware and hand-carved, wooden plates and utensils. In addition to representation in the stores, artisans occasionally hold workshops and exhibits to educate others about traditions that have been passed down to through generations.