Maria Cutipa

Maria Cutipa handcrafted Andean alpaca apparel and accessories

"I was born in Cusco, Peru in 1950. I consider myself to be creative, responsible and punctual. As a girl, I was interested in the handwoven blankets and sashes that my mother created. The main thing that attracted me was to carry on our ancestors’ traditions and transmit our history through our colors and motifs.

"Everything I know I learned in school and from my parents and sister. It was sometimes very difficult to find the materials and a space in the market to sell our work, but we never gave up. My family, husband and children always supported me and we managed to get ahead.

"My inspiration comes from our history of Inca weavings, which is one of the oldest textile traditions of the Andes and was one of the most highly developed during the time of the Inca empire, due to the different materials and techniques they used. This hybrid culture was created through the conquest. The Incas were able to create a great variety of apparel and weavings for everyday use.

"Inca textiles are characterized by their geometric patterns and their finely developed techniques. Their tapestries and feathered cloaks are legendary. Inca art shows an extraordinary sense of symmetry, which is reflected in the neatly organized figures.

"I use alpaca fleece, wool and cotton and do everything by hand. My greatest challenge is keeping up with fashion trends, and I need both creativity and inspiration to create unique and high quality apparel that sets me apart from others.

"One of my dreams is to create a school to train students to create beautiful woven and knitted apparel. I want my family to be a part of this venture and work together to pass on our passion to future generations.

"My textile art reflects my history, my roots and my family."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"Everything I know I learned in school and from my parents and sister. It was sometimes very difficult to find the materials and a space in the market to sell our work, but we never gave up. My family, husband and children always supported me and we managed to get ahead.

"My inspiration comes from our history of Inca weavings, which is one of the oldest textile traditions of the Andes and was one of the most highly developed during the time of the Inca empire, due to the different materials and techniques they used. This hybrid culture was created through the conquest. The Incas were able to create a great variety of apparel and weavings for everyday use.

"Inca textiles are characterized by their geometric patterns and their finely developed techniques. Their tapestries and feathered cloaks are legendary. Inca art shows an extraordinary sense of symmetry, which is reflected in the neatly organized figures.

"I use alpaca fleece, wool and cotton and do everything by hand. My greatest challenge is keeping up with fashion trends, and I need both creativity and inspiration to create unique and high quality apparel that sets me apart from others.

"One of my dreams is to create a school to train students to create beautiful woven and knitted apparel. I want my family to be a part of this venture and work together to pass on our passion to future generations.

"My textile art reflects my history, my roots and my family."

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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Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker BadgeWorking with Disabilities

This artist is working with some sort of disability ranging from mental or physical and includes conditions such as being handicapped physically, or perhaps having a condition such as autism. This is also awarded to artists that employ other artists with disabilities.

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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Alternate image for Intarsia Knit Turquoise Floral Alpaca Sweater Turquoise Garden

$229.99

Item Detail

Intarsia Knit Turquoise Floral Alpaca Sweater 'Turquoise Garden'

$229.99

(2)

Comments

Anna This a very elegant, light and pretty sweater. Looks just as shown on the picture.Thank you!

1 more comment

Alternate image for Peacock and Floral-Themed Intarsia Knit 100 Alpaca Cardigan Majestic Peacock

$229

Item Detail

Peacock and Floral-Themed Intarsia Knit 100 Alpaca Cardigan 'Majestic Peacock'

$229

Alternate image for Multicolored Geometric Patterned Mens Pullover Sweater Quinoa Leaf

$199.99

Item Detail

Multicolored Geometric Patterned Men's Pullover Sweater 'Quinoa Leaf'

$199.99

(2)

Comments

John R Maria - You helped make this Christmas the most special one in years with your beautiful work of art. It's softer than silk - I'll treasure it forever. MUCHI-SIMAS GRACIAS !John Baumgartner, Chandler, Arizona

1 more comment

Alternate image for Inca-Inspired 100 Alpaca Cardigan Sweater in a Kimono Style Ceremonial Icons

$209.99

Item Detail

Inca-Inspired 100 Alpaca Cardigan Sweater in a Kimono Style 'Ceremonial Icons'

$209.99

(1)

Comments

M Margaret Absolutely beautiful! and so soft/ Wore to a dinner gathering and received multiple compliments.

16 Reviews for

December 22, 2023

A Anna

This a very elegant, light and pretty sweater. Looks just as shown on the picture.Thank you!

Reviewed item

October 30, 2023

C Carole

The size chart was accurate so the sweater I ordered fits well.

Reviewed item

September 20, 2023

A Amy

This is the third sweater I have bought made by Maria and it won’t be the lastThis sweater is warm, not too heavy, soft and the unique design is special.. it gets a lot of compliments. Its not “an “off-the-rack” mass-produced garment. People notice and appreciate that. I do

Reviewed item

August 24, 2023

L Lisa

This is supposed to be a Christmas gift. It is so absolutely beautiful that I am not sure I can keep it wrapped up that long. Thank you to Maria Cutipo for creating such a gorgeous garment.

Reviewed item

April 12, 2023

M Margaret

Absolutely beautiful! and so soft/ Wore to a dinner gathering and received multiple compliments.

Reviewed item

January 5, 2023

J John R

Maria - You helped make this Christmas the most special one in years with your beautiful work of art. It's softer than silk - I'll treasure it forever. MUCHI-SIMAS GRACIAS !John Baumgartner, Chandler, Arizona

Reviewed item

October 6, 2022

A Amy

I this sweater; soft material,warm, not as heavy as merino, fabulous pattern, black, blue and ochre match so many items in my wardrobe and the scallop details are lovely. Thanks to the artist!

Reviewed item

April 20, 2022

L Leigh

This is simply a lovely sweater! The colors glow! It looks as good in person as it does online. The fit is true to size and the quality is top notch. I would recommend this sweater and the artisan to anyone. Great over a pair of dress pants for work, or jeans for casual.

Reviewed item

April 6, 2022

J Jim

Love to wear this with my jeans

Reviewed item

December 29, 2021

L Lucia

Beautiful sweater. My only complaint is the obvious one--it is so beautiful that you can only wear it now and again because everyone who has seen it recognizes it.

Reviewed item

December 23, 2021

D Dipakkumar

Very good product and excellent quality . I will tell my friends to purchase such products . The Sweater looks better when I actually have it . All the best

Reviewed item

November 2, 2021

L Linda

Love the blues, great fit, great addition to my wardrobe.

Reviewed item

August 26, 2021

L Lucia

This is the most beautiful sweater I have ever had and I've been buying Peruvian sweaters for 30 years. The handwork is outstanding. My congratulations to Maria Cutipa for her artistry.

Reviewed item

April 25, 2021

M Mary

Absolutely beautiful!

Reviewed item

October 6, 2019

G Gretchen

This sweater is a work of art. Also wonderfully comfortable to wear.

Reviewed item

April 27, 2018

C Cynthia

Super pleased with this sweater, the design is beautiful and the fit is extremely flattering. Will buy more from this designer, she has a lovely eye.