For millennia, the indigenous people of the high Andes have lived in harmony with nature. Mother Earth, or Pachamama, controls fertility, presides over planting and harvesting, and causes earthquakes. She alone has the creative power to sustain life on earth and take it away.

The role of Pachamama is instrumental in the mutually beneficial relationship between the tribes and their llamas. The llamas are protected, and the indigenous utilize them as pack animals and for harvesting wool for clothing, shelter, and rope.

Indigenous children are given a llama at an early age and spend their formative years nurturing and working together with their animal friends.

The cultural dependence on this relationship is strengthened by 2 basic indigenous moral principles. Truth and honesty. These principles are the foundation of indigenous society.

They have been incorporated into an ancient Incan credo, ama quilla - ama Ilulla - ama shua. Don’t be lazy, don’t lie, don’t steal.

Adherence to these foundational societal values has survived centuries of tribal conflict, exploitation by foreign conquerors, and introduced devastation of disease.

The credo remains an integral part of daily life today and has been incorporated into the Constitutions of Andean countries.

 The "Llama Dollies" Project Story

Llama Dollies was founded in Cuenca, Ecuador, in the summer of 2022 by Jerry Straka.

As an ex-pat in a new land, Jerry quickly discovered the extraordinary talent of the local artisanal communities. Joining forces with his new Ecuadorian friend, Lourdes Salinas, they spent many days exploring the local communities and visiting the shops exhibiting the handcrafted products created by the artisans.

During those ventures, a strong friendship developed, and an idea blossomed to build an outlet for the artisans to market their extraordinary creations in new lands.

Lourdes strong business background and local knowledge became key elements in the foundation of Llama Dollies. Using that expertise and building relationships became the strengths of Llama Dollies and Lourdes was soon named CEO of Llama Dollies. Her leadership is vital to the success of the amazing artisanal community’s ability to expand into other markets through a digital presence*.

Hidden in the markets of Ecuador are high quality handmade items that few around the world have ever seen. From the Ecuadorian made “Panama hats”, to the alpaca woven blankets and scarves, and including the ancient tanning processed fine leather goods, each community boasts artisans of remarkable individual talent and unique design concepts.

Our purpose is to introduce these products to other world markets and bring the customers to this marketplace that so few even realize exists. Llama Dollies wishes to not only be a marketplace of products, but a forum depicting a lifestyle of dedicated craftsmen and women who live by the centuries old principles stated in the ancient Incan credo, ama killa - ama Iulla - ama shwa. Translated - Don’t be idle, don’t lie, don’t steal.

Lourdes and Jerry welcome all visitors to our website and invites your feedback and suggestions to make Llama Dollies the marketplace of original, unique, one-of-a-kind creations made with all natural materials and plant-based dyes. Thank you for perusing our site and enjoy the Llama way…

[*Llama Dollies is dedicated to allocating a portion of all sales to these Indigenous creators and creating an online eco-system for their use.]