Center for Traditional Textiles of Cu

Reviews

14 reviews

Location

Peru

Bio

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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Bio

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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Reviews

Center for Traditional Textiles of Cu

Center for Traditional Textiles of Cu

14 Reviews

C
Carol
functional AND beautiful bag for cell phone and crecdit cards
Pefect for quick trips to stores and farmers markets - just room for phone and charge cards, and a beautiful, colorful addition to my day :-)
L
Laura
Aptly named, beautifully finished
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.
R
Roy
Cherished Heirloom
This item was all that I expected. It was lovely in all aspects
M
Mary
Loved it as soon as I saw it
Well made and beautiful…great for travel.
B
Barbara
A perfect bag for carrying small items
This sling bag is beautifully made and just what I wanted.
A
Ann
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
This wee bag is just what I wanted...beautiful, well made and I like that I know who created it...
L
Laura
Dark blue shoulder bag
I have bought all colors and enjoy these shoulder bags immensely. I have one as a gift for my sister, too.
E
Erica
Special alpaca bag
Very well made, beautiful colors, a piece of art.
M
Margaret
Love this shoulder bag. Such beautiful colors!
The bag is just the right size. The workmanship is impeccable.
W
Wendy
Unique, artful, beautiful colors, and useful, as well!
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.
C
Chrystal
Love this bag!
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.
C
Cathleen
Authenitc from Cusco
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.
C
Cathy
Beautiful Bag!
Colors are so pretty, the design is beautiful. Wonderful workmanship.I love this bag.
A
Ana
My favorite go to handbag
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!

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