What do polleras and shawls represent in traditional Bolivian women’s dress?

In traditional Bolivian culture, the pollera and the shawl are integral components of the attire worn by Indigenous women in both urban and rural highland areas.1

Rather than serving purely as decorative garments, these items function as practical tools for daily life:

• Polleras: These are traditional, multilayered skirts that serve as a hallmark of Indigenous identity and style.1
• Shawls: These garments are highly functional, often used to create a carefully balanced bundle on the wearer's back. This allows women to transport a variety of items—such as goods for the market, fresh purchases, extra clothing, or even a baby—while keeping both hands free.1

This style of dress reflects a broader reestablishment of Indigenous culture and values that has gained momentum in Bolivia since the 1940s, marking a shift away from the imitation of European fashions toward the embrace of traditional heritage.1