Ecuador

Ikat textiles. Ikat is an ancient dyeing technique in which the warp threads of a handwoven fabric are tied and dyed before the piece is woven. Look for panos, indigo-dyed cotton shawls with intricate macramé fringe in Gualeceo, as well as ponchos, blankets, and wool belts woven with traditional motifs of pottery and animals in Canar, Salcedo, and Salasaca..

Jewelry. The early people of Ecuador were master metalworkers, and today jewelers still produce excellent silver, nickel, and brass jewelry. Buy tupus, decorated shawl pins, in Saraguro, and gold and silver filigree jewelry in Chordeleg.

Ceramics. The indigenous Oriente women of Canelos Quichua in eastern Ecuador are known for their eggshell-thin, hand-coiled ceramics painted with scenes from daily life and mythology. Find them in weekend markets in eastern Ecuador and in showrooms in Cuenca, San Miguel, and Chordeleg..