El gremio de los pelaires de Aoiz (siglos XVI-XIX) [The guild of the pelaires (wool weavers) of Aoiz (16th-19th century)]

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe the development of a guild of particular importance in the course of the Modern Age in the charter town of Aoiz, the pelaires, who controlled the manufacture of woollen cloth. These artisans shared with other guilds the management of various activities which maintained a sizeable population in the town, making it the focal point of a large surrounding district. The pelaires of Aoiz enjoyed a healthy economy based primarily on the manufacture and sale of woollen cloth, which brought with it a special social status among the local population.