Women from the indigenous Aymara group of Andean South America have practiced frazada weaving since pre-Colombian times. Weavers create colorful strips from hand-sheared sheep's wool on a backstrap loom. Then, two pieces are sewn together to create a frazada. Offering lively warmth and sturdy thickness, frazadas were originally used as blankets, created to protect against the chill of the Andean highlands. Today, these textiles are popular for their use as bright rugs and picnic blankets.