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Association de Artesanos Q'antati
BOLIVIA
Started in 1978, the Q'antati Association of Artisans is the united effort of 350 Bolivian artisans, the majority of whom are Aymara men and women. The word Q'antati is Aymara for "dawn rising," a symbol of the hope that this independent self-governed artisans' association inspires. The artisans are organized into four rural groups in the highlands and seven urban groups in the areas surrounding La Paz. They create a broad range of traditional handicrafts, household textiles and musical instruments. Worker benefits are a high priority to members of this group. Members are elected to two-year terms in leadership positions but decision-making happens at all levels. Q'antati is developing local markets that now account for nearly 10 percent of their sales. Committed to fair trade at all levels, Q'antati is a member of the International Federation for Alternative Trade.
Profile Of Bolivia
 Bolivia is one of South America's few landlocked countries and boasts breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. The majority of Bolivians live in the central mountain plateau. With roots in both ancient civilizations and conquering nations, Bolivia is ripe with diversity and renowned for its music.
An economic crisis in the 1980s caused the government to cut many of its social programs. Some rural families were forced to resort to planting coca, the plant used to make cocaine. Creating crafts and instruments provides essential alternative income to artisans in Bolivia.
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