Known as arpilleras, literally “jute” in Spanish, these historic patchworks represent a popular form of artistic expression and political resistance that emerged in Latin America in the 20th century. Created in the 1970s by Chilean women during the Pinochet regime, they portray scenes of daily life, highlighting government repression, disappearances and the conditions of extreme poverty of the population. Made during workshops organized by the Catholic Church, they were sold abroad to show the world the brutality of the Chilean dictatorship and provide income to the families affected.
