The Bolivian People 87Hinojosa is one of the lucky ones. Working in mahogany,
hand carving furniture, Hinojosa has won over many clients
with his intricate woodcarvings.
In fact, a carved relief by Hinojosa has been hanging in
Potosí’s Casa de la Moneda for nearly two decades. With such
a labour-intensive job, he explains, “the most important thing
is to work with affection.”
Most artisans are not as fortunate as Hinojosa. With
exports increasing, perhaps the business of handmade art
has some future. But these cultural heroes must compete
with neighbouring Perú, whose artisans got a head start in
the international arena.
Several of Bolivia’s top 100 companies depend on such
artistry, including jewellery and textiles.
Truck Drivers and Miners
Bolivian artisans are not wealthy but they get much
more recognition than the truck drivers who transport
their works.
Yet Bolivian truck drivers are heroes of a sort, navigating
some of the most difficult highways in the world. For
the driver, Bolivia’s incredibly rough terrain is at once
more demanding and more captivating than a motorway
in Kansas.
In most mountainous countries, drivers expect a pass to
get them through the range. Bolivian mountains are so dense
that passes must be literally carved out of mountain sides,
with room only for one lane. If two vehicles approach, one
must move over at the fi rst available ledge.
If your car breaks down on one of these roads, you are
guaranteed help. It is in the self-interest of every driver behind
you to lend a hand.
Bolivia’s commerce depends on the ability of its truck
drivers to handle these roads. I once assumed that truck
drivers had the most dangerous job in the country, rivalled
only by football referees.
Interpretation of statistics from recent years may suggest
that truck drivers would win the award for performing
the most dangerous job. But if statistics incorporated life