Teofilo Choquecahua

"I was born June 8, 1981 in a city considered Perus handicraft capital. Im a textile artisan and work in the flat weave style of Ayacucho. Everything I know I learned with master weaver Huaranja, and later I perfected my techniques working with Maximo Laura.

"My first weavings were done at the age of sixteen. My favorite themes use Inca icons and I work exclusively in wool on a very simple, handmade loom. The dyes I use to color the wool come from natural plants, although I also use artificial tints.

"I am constantly motivated to learn still more and different Ayacucho weaving techniques. I want to perfect my work. Now that I have this ability and a great deal of information on ancient Inca textiles, I want to further develop my work. A desire to weave is born inside me and I feel very good when practicing my craft.

"A challenge for me would be to live in the capital and be able to support myself with my own work, even though my parents and brothers still live in our hometown.

"To my Novica clients, I want to say thank you for your preference and confidence in my work."