HANDICRAFTS

As regards regional products, the greater concentration is found around Casa Histórica (Historical House) and Plaza Independencia (Independence Square), the two places which are preferred by tourists. There you can see many stores in which you can buy most varied products of either regional or provincial origin ranging from jams and pastries to splendid fabrics characterized by the richness and harmony of their colors (obtained from natural tints) and by their thick and close weaving.

Tucumán poncho, generally from the valleys area, is woven with a special consistency which allows to use this garment for protection from the strongest storms and snowfalls. It can be found in Tafí del Valle and Amaicha del Valle and regional product stores.

In this area fine fabrics are also made of llama, alpaca and vicuña, reaching an extraordinary quality, although the production is currently very much reduced because of the gradual extinction of the above animals.

But the most characteristic handicraft in Tucumán, which cannot be found in other provinces, is the Randa, a fine fabric made of linen, whose technique comes from Spain and was handed on from generation to generation since the 18th century. And indeed, it is in the oldest settlement in the province, to the south, near the former Tucumán city, that this technique is preserved. In El Cercado, a small town near Monteros, there is the biggest concentration of randeras (women knitting this fabric) in the province.

Randa consists of a very fine linen mesh which is interwoven forming exceedingly delicate designs. It is very much used in collars, cuffs, handkerchiefs, table covers and religious ornaments. Pieces of this can be admired in the Provincial Folkloric Museum.

Leather pieces, both curried and plaited, are also made in the province, and silver, bone, straw and palm leaves are used for producing of baskets, shades, curtains, etc.