Genuine Heavy Wool Columbian Ruana

Brand new heavy wool Colombian made serape. 48" x 54"

A Ruana is an outer garment typical of the Andes region of Colombia, particularly in the Boyacá department. According to Proexport, the official Colombian agency in charge of international tourism, foreign investment, and non-traditional exports in Colombia, the word ruana comes from the Chibcha ruana meaning "Land of Blankets," referring to the woolen fabrics manufactured by the Muisca natives.^[1] Similar to other poncho-like garments in Latin America, a ruana is basically a very thick and soft sleeveless square or rectangular sheet with an opening in the center for the head to go through. It does not cover the head. The ruanas wore by the native Muisca people were apparently made of wool and knee-long, and were very well suited to the cold temperatures of the region, where it is used not only as a piece of garment but also as a blanket to use in bed or to sit, or as a cushion of sorts. Ruanas are handcrafted with virgin sheep’s wool and woven on a loom.