The article presents results of research on the conceptual basis that support designs of highland belts of northern Chile. Specifically, those underlying the textiles developed in the communities of Isluga and Cariquima. The interpretation performed in conjunction with the weavers, identified the main symbolic components that guide the manufacture of this piece of dress. The belts are classified into two types: belt pampa and belt ch'uru. This classification has been identified in other studies of the textile traditions of the southern Andes. This data is restudied and new information is added about the relationship that women establish between design and use, which allows the understanding of the meanings placed in the religious domain within the context of colonial domination. Three criteria used by women weavers in the planning of designs were identified: directionality and twist of the yarn, the color, and the number of chinu or knots.