"Makana shawls are unique to the area near Cuenca in Southern Ecuador (which is where Sue Fritzke purchased this one back in 1983) and are of mixed Spanish and Indigenous heritage. The cotton is dyed using natural dyes derived from beetles, stones, and plants. The threads are dyed in various patterns using the ikat technique of binding the thread while dying. The shawls are then hand woven on a traditional back strap loom and finished at the ends with hand tied knots. Each shawl is unique and natural variations may exist due to the handmade nature. The shawl is 100% cotton and should be hand washed separately in cold water and line dried or dry cleaned.