Taquile: The Island Nation Where Knitting Is a Sign Of Manliness.

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Taquile: The Island Nation Where Knitting Is a Sign Of Manliness.

Taquile Island

Knitting is considered a skill that usually women, that too older women have, who knit sweaters for their children and grand-children. Do you also feel surprised and unusual when you see a man with knitting needles turning the fabric into colorful clothes?

The art of knitting has been associated with women. It is stereotypically considered a woman's job, just like cooking, cleaning, and so on.

While things have changed quite a bit especially in developed countries and in metro cities of developing nations. However still, when a man is involved in activities like knitting, his manliness is questioned.

But let us tell you about a small place called Taquile, where knitting is the sign of masculinity and not less manhood.

Taquile is a tiny island in the lands of Peru, where a man's ability is not tested by hunting or fishing but with the art of knitting.

Famously known for its textile and clothing, Taquile's men are responsible for knit products, while women weave the sheep to provide wool.

It has been the tradition of this island, which is still preserved as the island's links were cut from the mainland till the 1950s. The years-long isolation allowed the residents of Taquile to keep their heritage.

If we talk about history, the tradition of Taquilian men knitting clothes has been there for around 500 years. It has its roots in the civilizations of the ancient period, such as Inca, Pucara, and Colla.

The art of knitting, which is considered feminine in the urban states, has been taught to the Taquilian boys at a young age of five. This skill is a heritage passed down to the young boys from the older men in the family.

One of the famous knit clothing in Taquile is a hat called Chullo. The women's fathers test a man's Chullo knitting skills to allow them to marry their daughters.

It certainly holds excellent importance for Taquilian men to know how to knit. Clearly, this old isolated village is better than the modern world in debunking the stereotypes related to gender-biased skills and activities.