The ayate
(ah-yah-tay) is made in Mexico from the fiber of the leaves of the
agave plant. The "Tree of Wonders," as the agave is often
called, has been cultivated for thousands of years.
Currently, more than 100 products have their roots in the
agave.
The ayate cloth is handmade in a very
labor-intensive process. After agave leaves are cut, they are
cooked and pounded into fibrous strands. The strands are then
softened under rocks for up to one week. Next, one by one,
each fiber is scraped and washed to remove any remaining plant
debris. The strands are then soaked in a natural lime
solution and hung out to dry. Once dry, they are hand-woven,
knitted or crocheted into ayate squares. The result is a 100%
natural product which is mildew-resistant and
machine-washable.
The ayate serves as
a combination washcloth/exfoliating tool in the shower or bath,
with soap, or it can gently exfoliate, simply with water. It
can also be used to wash fruits and vegetables, cookware and
fixtures. The ayate will not scratch and is perfect for use
with bath and kitchen soaps, gels, lotions and creams.
The ayate cellulite scrub consists of several layers of ayate cloth
and an ayate strap, under which the user's hand
is placed for easy use of the product. Extremely
intricate in design, the cellulite scrub, like the ayate
square, can be used to clean and exfoliate the entire body.
And, because it is much thicker than the regular ayate, it can
absorb quite a bit more soap.
Featured below:
The Body Scrubber & Smoother, the Exfoliating Star and the Foot
File.
