Journal

Friends, if you are headed for Cusco, Peru, you are probably thinking: a trip to Machu Picchu, the astounding lost city of the Incas. But when I arrive in Cusco I am pulled like a magnet to the Traditional Center For Textiles.

Nilda Callanuapa, Founder and Director, created the organization to keep Andean weaving cultures alive. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Nilda through the International Folk Art Market- Nilda representing The Center’s weavers, Mary Anne & I helping the Guatemalan rug hookers.

Upon arriving I learned Nilda was just heading out to Chinchero, her home village where her mission to preserve weaving techniques began 20 years ago. Nilda wondered: would I like to accompany her? A busy day was planned full of natural dye workshops and more. I had fun accompanying her group, watching the ancient weaving patterns take shape on their extraordinary back strap looms and observing the dyers tend their pots of steaming dye liquor and hand spun wool yarn. I also had the pleasure of meeting Nilda’s mother, a respected elder among the group.

Stepping into Nilda’s world ‘behind the scenes’, where the CTTC weavers produce some of the finest hand woven cloth in the world, and watching their teamwork, was an honor and great pleasure. I’ve collected some extraordinary pieces direct from the artisans who weave them: we’ll let you know when they become available in the shop!