“I have learned that each and every piece of cloth embodies the spirit, skill, and personal history of an individual weaver... It ties together with an endless thread the emotional life of my people.” ― Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez, Aracari specialist and Peruvian author of ‘Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories’ Go to Aracari Shop Everywhere you go in Peru, you’ll see textiles on sale. The markets are adorned with the vibrant warm hues of traditional blankets, ponchos, and the famous chullo hats (read our blog here), woven with care from the finest alpaca wool. A perfect memento from your trip, and guaranteed to keep you warm through a North American or European winter. With the growing popularity of their handiwork, artisans and textile businesses have extended their production beyond the traditional garments to appeal to the tastes of international tourists, and now table cloths, place mats, belts and bags are all available with the iconic patterns of the Andes. Even smaller trinkets and souvenirs like pens and fridge magnets are decked out in traditional patterns. Pre-Inca beginnings Peru is actually the country with the longest tradition of textile production, going back over 10,000 years, and predating pottery. The Chavin civilisation is generally credited with inventing the backstrap loom and many of the weaving techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. What began as a simple process of spinning fibers and moving them across nets and cords has developed into a highly technical and skilled craft. Following the Chavin, the coastal Paracas and Nazca cultures made beautiful and intricate embroideries and tapestries. With the dry desert conditions, many of these were preserved in underground tombs, giving us many clues to understand their way of life, in the absence of any written records. The warmongering Wari
“I have learned that each and every piece of cloth embodies the spirit, skill, and personal history of an individual weaver… It ties together with an endless thread the emotional life of my people.” ― Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez, Aracari specialist and Peruvian author of ‘Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming…
As winter in Peru draws to a close, Andean guides in Cusco and Puno may soon swap their wooly layers for lighter trekking garb, packing away their colorful Andean chullo hat until the next chilly day. The chullo is the iconic Andean stocking cap with earflaps, usually made from the wool of sheep, llama, alpaca, or (for the luxurious) vicuña. The thickly-knit hat insulates from the harsh elements of the mountainous region. Wearers can also tie that hat beneath the chin for even more insulation in extremely cold or windy conditions. History of the Chullo Hat Chullos have been used in the Andean Mountain region by its indigenous people for thousands of years. The different colors, patterns and weaves have significance throughout the region, as they are often used to distinguish between communities. While for many years it was seen as an unfashionable mark of the lowest class of Peruvian society, the chullo has always been an integral part of the cultural fabric. But though the chullo is iconic to the Andes, there is some disagreement to its origin. As Arturo Jimenez Borja details in his book “Indumentaria Tradicional Andina” (“Traditional Andean Clothing”), archeological evidence shows that headwear in the Basque country of Spain was shaped more like the chullo than that of pre-colonial Peru, where the four-pointed Huari was the hat of choice. Other academics fiercely defend the chullo’s pre-Hispanic origins as the debate continues. Authentic Andean chullos are popular souvenirs for travellers that want to bring home a memory of Peruvian culture. Many modern clothing designers add feathers, pompoms, tassels, and other extra adornments to their hats, but these tend to be added in questionable taste and without respect to Andean culture. The best chullos can be purchased in and around Cusco, particularly in towns where the chullo still
As winter in Peru draws to a close, Andean guides in Cusco and Puno may soon swap their wooly layers for lighter trekking garb, packing away their colorful Andean chullo hat until the next chilly day. The chullo is the iconic Andean stocking cap with earflaps, usually made from the wool…
