Hand Loomed Earth Tone 100 Alpaca Shoulder Bag from Peru 'Sierra Earth' Item ID: 2671400760
$129.99This is your own listing item.
- 1.09 lb
- Bag: 12.5 inches L x 11.8 inches W,Handle(s): 55 inches L x 0.8 inches W,Drop length: 26 inches from strap to bag
- 0.35 lbs
- Bag: 12.5 inches L x 11.8 inches W
- Handle(s): 55 inches L x 0.8 inches W
- Drop length: 26 inches from strap to bag
- 100% alpaca
- acrylic lining
- Features a zipper closure
- Hand wash only
- Hand-crafted item -- color
- size and/or motif may vary slightly
Made in Peru
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The Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, based in Peru, works to practice, sustain, and revive ancestral weaving styles, natural dye techniques, and textile designs. The nonprofit organization works with ten weaving communities from the Cusco region: Accha Alta, Acopia, Chahuaytire, Chinchero, Mahuaypampa, Huacatinco, Patabamba, Pitumarca, Santa Cruz de Sallac, and Santo Tomas. Since it was founded, the weavers have rediscovered the process of natural dyes and recovered hundreds of designs and techniques that were almost forgotten. Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez is the founder and director of the center—and a weaver herself.
"I was born in Chinchero, a magical district in Cusco where our textile culture keeps the ancient techniques alive," Nilda says. "They are still used to create apparel and both utilitarian and decorative designs, and the skills are handed down from generation to generation. Artisanal activities such as dyeing the sheep and alpaca wool with organic colors, and weaving it offer a glimpse into our ancestral culture.
"I've been fascinated with weaving since I was a child. I learned by analyzing a textile from distant regions. I had woven only a little and a tourist bought it, loom and all. I could see how valuable it was to create more intricate and traditional styles instead of the bright textiles with synthetic yarn that most people weave for the tourist market."
The origin of the center dates back to 1970, when Nilda and a group of women began gathering in homes to spin and weave together. They realized Cusco's traditional textiles had begun to disappear, in favor of cheaper products using chemical dyes, and as the chain of transmission from older to younger generations faltered. In addition, the racism suffered by the Indigenous population meant that men and women were ashamed or afraid to wear their traditional clothing.
To save their sacred textile tradition, the weavers dedicated themselves to recovering ancestral designs and techniques, reviving a sense of pride in the Indigenous culture, and selling their products to tourists as a way of maintaining independence. Together they established a community cultural center in Chinchero; the nonprofit was finally established in 1996, with the mission "to provide an interactive space for the weavers and the public through programs, research, and publications that promote and reevaluate our ancestral textiles." Every Saturday, the Young Weavers Groups meet so children have the opportunity to learn directly from their elders, ensuring the future of the region's textile legacy.
"We feel proud to be who we are, proud of our history, and we appreciate it as it deserves. We want to share our art with the world and always motivate our younger artisans. In this way, we want to promote everything that is in our hands to do."
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14 Reviews for
Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco
January 25, 2023
C
Carol
Pefect for quick trips to stores and farmers markets - just room for phone and charge cards, and a beautiful, colorful addition to my day :-)
Reviewed item
January 10, 2023
C
Cathy
Colors are so pretty, the design is beautiful. Wonderful workmanship.I love this bag.
Reviewed item
November 9, 2022
M
Margaret
The bag is just the right size. The workmanship is impeccable.
Reviewed item
October 31, 2023
W
Wendy
This handbag is absolutely beautiful! The colors are both gentle and calming (the blues and greens) and eyecatchingly bright -- (the beautiful berry/wine colored section down the center, which also incorporates lots of other colors.) This bag has a wonderful texture to it, as well. I love that it was loom-woven, and is also one-of-a-kind. It's sturdy, and a useful size, as well, and easily holds... read more
Reviewed item
October 30, 2022
A
Ana
This handbag is exquisite! The craftmanship and quality of the weaving is unmatched in intricacy and beauty. The colors are deep, rich and complement the design so well. The bag is the perfect size, not too big nor too small. Just right for a wallet, phone, eyeglass case, keys, other small items. The strap is adjustable to either shoulder length or crossbody, which is really versatile. Even ... read more
Reviewed item
July 8, 2022
A
Ann
This wee bag is just what I wanted...beautiful, well made and I like that I know who created it...
Reviewed item
May 28, 2022
C
Cathleen
I just got back from Cusco, Peru. I bought beautiful pillow covers but wanted a few more authentic handwoven items. I KNOW this purse is authentic, and it is well made. I visited weaving cooperatives and recognize the natural colors and designs. It has a sturdy lining and a nice inside pocket with zipper. I use it for my everyday purse, I like the size. I don't like a big purse. It is important t... read more
Reviewed item
January 18, 2022
R
Roy
This item was all that I expected. It was lovely in all aspects
Reviewed item
August 12, 2021
C
Chrystal
This is a beautiful bag! The colors are gorgeous. I just have to be careful not to set it on my couch because cat hair sticks to it. Lol! My problem. I'm very happy with my purchase.
Reviewed item
June 19, 2023
L
Laura
I have bought all colors and enjoy these shoulder bags immensely. I have one as a gift for my sister, too.
Reviewed item
June 19, 2023
L
Laura
This or others in this series (as I appreciate the colors and feel so much) are a comfortable, constant companion. I wear it cross-body.
Reviewed item
October 31, 2023
W
Wendy
This handbag is absolutely beautiful! The colors are both gentle and calming (the blues and greens) and eyecatchingly bright -- (the beautiful berry/wine colored section down the center, which also incorporates lots of other colors.) This bag has a wonderful texture to it, as well. I love that it was loom-woven, and is also one-of-a-kind. It's sturdy, and a useful size, as well, and easily holds my (large) wallet, phone, and other necessities.
October 30, 2022
A
Ana
This handbag is exquisite! The craftmanship and quality of the weaving is unmatched in intricacy and beauty. The colors are deep, rich and complement the design so well. The bag is the perfect size, not too big nor too small. Just right for a wallet, phone, eyeglass case, keys, other small items. The strap is adjustable to either shoulder length or crossbody, which is really versatile. Even the zipper is quality. I love this handbag and I highly recommend it!
May 28, 2022
C
Cathleen
I just got back from Cusco, Peru. I bought beautiful pillow covers but wanted a few more authentic handwoven items. I KNOW this purse is authentic, and it is well made. I visited weaving cooperatives and recognize the natural colors and designs. It has a sturdy lining and a nice inside pocket with zipper. I use it for my everyday purse, I like the size. I don't like a big purse. It is important to me that the weavers of the Peruvian Andes get support to continue weaving. Tourists have not returned to this area and these traditions will be lost. Plus it is a beautiful purse with rich colors.
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The Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, based in Peru, works to practice, sust... read more
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Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, W ... about
Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco traditional handwoven Andean apparel and decor
The Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, based in Peru, works to practice, sustain, and revive ancestral weaving styles, natural dye techniques, and textile designs. The nonprofit organization works with ten weaving communities from the Cusco region: Accha Alta, Acopia, Chahuaytire, Chinchero, Mahuaypampa, Huacatinco, Patabamba, Pitumarca, Santa Cruz de Sallac, and Santo Tomas. Since it was founded, the weavers have rediscovered the process of natural dyes and recovered hundreds of designs and techniques that were almost forgotten. Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez is the founder and director of the center—and a weaver herself.
"I was born in Chinchero, a magical district in Cusco where our textile culture keeps the ancient techniques alive," Nilda says. "They are still used to create apparel and both utilitarian and decorative designs, and the skills are handed down from generation to generation. Artisanal activities such as dyeing the sheep and alpaca wool with organic colors, and weaving it offer a glimpse into our ancestral culture.
"I've been fascinated with weaving since I was a child. I learned by analyzing a textile from distant regions. I had woven only a little and a tourist bought it, loom and all. I could see how valuable it was to create more intricate and traditional styles instead of the bright textiles with synthetic yarn that most people weave for the tourist market."
The origin of the center dates back to 1970, when Nilda and a group of women began gathering in homes to spin and weave together. They realized Cusco's traditional textiles had begun to disappear, in favor of cheaper products using chemical dyes, and as the chain of transmission from older to younger generations faltered. In addition, the racism suffered by the Indigenous population meant that men and women were ashamed or afraid to wear their traditional clothing.
To save their sacred textile tradition, the weavers dedicated themselves to recovering ancestral designs and techniques, reviving a sense of pride in the Indigenous culture, and selling their products to tourists as a way of maintaining independence. Together they established a community cultural center in Chinchero; the nonprofit was finally established in 1996, with the mission "to provide an interactive space for the weavers and the public through programs, research, and publications that promote and reevaluate our ancestral textiles." Every Saturday, the Young Weavers Groups meet so children have the opportunity to learn directly from their elders, ensuring the future of the region's textile legacy.
"We feel proud to be who we are, proud of our history, and we appreciate it as it deserves. We want to share our art with the world and always motivate our younger artisans. In this way, we want to promote everything that is in our hands to do."
"I was born in Chinchero, a magical district in Cusco where our textile culture keeps the ancient techniques alive," Nilda says. "They are still used to create apparel and both utilitarian and decorative designs, and the skills are handed down from generation to generation. Artisanal activities such as dyeing the sheep and alpaca wool with organic colors, and weaving it offer a glimpse into our ancestral culture.
"I've been fascinated with weaving since I was a child. I learned by analyzing a textile from distant regions. I had woven only a little and a tourist bought it, loom and all. I could see how valuable it was to create more intricate and traditional styles instead of the bright textiles with synthetic yarn that most people weave for the tourist market."
The origin of the center dates back to 1970, when Nilda and a group of women began gathering in homes to spin and weave together. They realized Cusco's traditional textiles had begun to disappear, in favor of cheaper products using chemical dyes, and as the chain of transmission from older to younger generations faltered. In addition, the racism suffered by the Indigenous population meant that men and women were ashamed or afraid to wear their traditional clothing.
To save their sacred textile tradition, the weavers dedicated themselves to recovering ancestral designs and techniques, reviving a sense of pride in the Indigenous culture, and selling their products to tourists as a way of maintaining independence. Together they established a community cultural center in Chinchero; the nonprofit was finally established in 1996, with the mission "to provide an interactive space for the weavers and the public through programs, research, and publications that promote and reevaluate our ancestral textiles." Every Saturday, the Young Weavers Groups meet so children have the opportunity to learn directly from their elders, ensuring the future of the region's textile legacy.
"We feel proud to be who we are, proud of our history, and we appreciate it as it deserves. We want to share our art with the world and always motivate our younger artisans. In this way, we want to promote everything that is in our hands to do."
Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru
Andes Artisan Empowerment Hub
Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.
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Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez represented the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco at the 2015 Folklife Festival. An expert weaver, she preserves traditional Andean textiles and supports several weaving communities in Peru.
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Hand Loomed Earth Tone 100 Alpaca Shoulder Bag from Peru 'Sierra Earth'
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