Resumen

ZELAYA, Waldo Jordán. THE AQSU: ITS PERMANENCE AFTER 500 YEARS. Textos Antropológicos [online]. 2003, vol.14, n.1, pp. 77-86. ISSN 1025-3181.

The present article makes a general approximation to the fe atures ofthe aqsu and the transformations in itsforms ofuse, from the prehispanic epoch until the present times. This cloth, weavedwith cameliafibers, was the principalfeminine clothing ofmany places and ethnical groups ofthe Bolivian Andes, show ing particular characteristics in each one ofthem. In thisform, these characteristics, allowed to appreciate the geographic and ethnic origin, the social and cultural adscription, and even the economic situation of whom usedit. Despite the series of transformations operated by the Spanish Colony, its form ofuse has prevailed even through the XIX and great parí ofthe XX centuries. However, at the present time its use is more and more diminished. The recent migratory movements ofthe rural áreas to the principal urban centers ofthe country in search ofbetter Ufe conditions, have made that a great number of wornen stopped using the aqsu.