Meet the Artisans
Story and Journey
The technique we use is called arwi, a tradition that has been part of my family for generations. I began learning it as a child by observing my father and maternal grandfather at work. They taught me every detail of the weaving process, from the careful selection of threads to the final creation of each piece. Over time, I have refined this technique, always with dedication and respect for what my ancestors passed down to me.
Continuing this legacy is an experience that stirs emotions difficult to describe—a mix of pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of identity. Through this technique, I not only keep a family tradition alive but also find a way to express my own dreams, feelings, and essence.
What drives me to continue working in this craft is the incredible richness of Peruvian craftsmanship, which represents centuries of history and culture. Personally, every time I sit at the loom, I feel I can channel my emotions, my passion, and the deep love I have for my country. Every piece I create is a way of bringing a little piece of Peru to the rest of the world, and that connection is what motivates me to keep going.
Techniques and Materials
The creation process of each piece begins with the idea of what I want to convey. Every work has a message or story I wish to tell, and from that vision, I select both the technique and the colors. The choice of materials is never random; it depends on what I want to express. I use wool threads, dyed with natural pigments in collaboration with other artisans. Every decision, from the colors to the texture, aligns with the final message of the piece.
My work has constantly evolved over the years. As the world changes and people develop new tastes and preferences, I have had to adapt as well. Each new challenge pushes me to learn more, improve, and find a balance between the ancestral and the modern.
Cultural Preservation
Preserving traditional techniques is a way of honoring the work and wisdom of our ancestors, such as the Wari and Inca cultures. Every time I use an ancestral technique, I feel connected to the history of our people, keeping that legacy alive and protecting it from being forgotten. Preserving these techniques is not just about maintaining work methods, but also about safeguarding our roots and identity as a people.
For me, being part of the preservation of Peruvian cultural heritage is a great responsibility. Every piece I create contributes to the continuation of this tradition, ensuring it doesn’t disappear. What we do today will impact how future generations perceive and value our culture.
My pieces carry deep cultural and symbolic value. They incorporate elements of Peruvian flora and fauna, as well as references to the natural and cultural riches of our land. Each design is more than just an object; it is a representation of our identity, a connection to the history and spirit of Peru.
Work and Vision
My vision for the future of Peruvian textile tradition is that artisans commit to continuously improving our work. It’s not just about fulfilling orders but about surprising and exceeding expectations. I want people to truly recognize the value of Peruvian craftsmanship, to see it as the cultural heritage it is, and to feel proud of owning pieces made by hand with such dedication and love.
In my creations, contemporary design and ancestral techniques are deeply connected. We always seek innovation, but without losing our roots. It’s a balance between being creative and preserving the essence of tradition, which gives our pieces their unique and meaningful character.
Story and Journey
My passion for craftsmanship began in my teenage years when I saw a family member weaving tapestries on an Ayacuchan loom. I was impressed by the beauty of the pieces that could be created, which sparked my interest in learning how to weave. In my family, on my mother’s side, craftsmanship has been a tradition passed down through generations, from crochet work to the use of looms. For me, continuing this legacy means honoring my ancestors and keeping a family tradition alive. What inspires and motivates me to continue working in this craft is the idea that this beautiful art, passed down from generation to generation, should not be lost. I want more people to discover and appreciate the various weaving techniques that exist in our beautiful Peru.
Collapsible row
Techniques and Materials
The process of creating one of my pieces begins with obtaining sheep’s wool from Puno, which we carefully clean of impurities. We then dye it using natural ingredients such as cochineal, walnut, and retama flowers to achieve a variety of colors. With the dyed wool, we set up the loom, placing the warp threads, and start weaving, intertwining the wool with precision to ensure the fabric is tightly woven. Once we reach the desired size, we cut and secure the threads to complete the piece.
Over the years, my work has evolved by meeting artisans dedicated to innovating weaving techniques. During my travels across Peru, I have encountered different types of looms, such as the one from San Pedro de Cajas, and I have adapted some of these styles to create pieces with better quality and more diverse designs.
Cultural Preservation
For me, it is essential to preserve and pass down traditional weaving techniques to new generations. Each region of Peru has its own unique style, and many of these traditions are at risk of being lost if they are not valued. Being part of the preservation of Peru’s cultural heritage through my work fills me with immense pride. It is gratifying not only to keep these ancestral techniques alive but also to support other artisans in continuing this craft. Each piece I create has a deep cultural and symbolic value, not only as a decorative item but also as a representation of the cultural richness of Peru, inspired by our flora, fauna, and the Inca and pre-Inca cultures.
Work and Vision
For the future of this artisanal tradition, I hope that Peruvian craftsmanship can remain alive despite technological advances, adapting to current trends without losing its essence. I would like to see an evolution that incorporates minimalist designs while always maintaining our traditional techniques. I firmly believe that contemporary design and ancestral techniques can coexist. Although Peruvian craftsmanship is often colorful and detailed, it can be adapted to a more minimalist style without losing its cultural identity, thus preserving our roots while responding to current demands.