Peruvian+Weaving

=Peruvian Weaving=

Peruvian weaving is one of the oldest traditions in the world. Today traditional techniques of weaving are still used by locals to produce handmade crafts such as hats, scarves, bags, socks, sweaters, headbands, etc. Travelers can find many of these products in local markets or by visiting a traditional weaving village.

Weaving has been a part of the peruvian culture since 2500 BCE and offers a sense of personal identity for many peruvians. It has shaped personal and regional identities and is a sort of inter-regional form of communication. Different communities can easily be distinguished by variations in style, use of color, and the woven designs. A textile language has been formed as the textiles have been used to convey thoughts and impressions about one’s surroundings and historical events.

Women are the traditional weavers of the community. They continuously are weaving while doing other tasks such as tending children and animals or doing other work outside the house. The traditional method is still used throughout Peru to create their products. The process begins with the shearing of the animals, which includes alpaca, vicuna, and sheep. Then the fibers are washed and spun into a yarn. To spin the yarn, a drop-spindle-wooden stick with a weight at each end is used. This task takes up 60% of the weaving process because it is very difficult. It is often taught to children at the young age of 5 0r 6 so they can learn to master it early on. The yarn is then plied and naturally dyed using local plants, minerals and insects from the Andes. These ingredients are made into a dye by being crushed and boiled in water which the yarn then soaks in to become colored. Next the design and colors for the product are chosen. The formation of each product is done by hand, completed row by row. Wooden or bone tools are then used to make the piece tight and compact. This final process is done differently for each product depending on its intended use. Once the product is finished it is ready to be sold.

Traditional weaving villages offer a true Peruvian cultural experience for visitors. Weaving demonstrations are typically offered to help visitors learn the craft of Peruvian weaving. Visiting also helps the local community by preserving the ancient craft, providing economic opportunities, and by helping the community financially when woven products are purchased. Threads of Peru is a local Peruvian company that sells woven products. Three indigenous weaving communities are associated with Threads of Peru, including Rumira Sondormayo, Chaullaqocha and Chupani, all located in the Patacancha Valley in the Cusco region.

Weaving is an important part of the Peruvian culture, kept alive through traditional weaving villages and tourists. The hand-woven products make great souvenirs that embody the Peruvian culture.

By: Hannah Jackson