Description

Chincero is a small village located in the highlands of Peru, less than an hour drive from Cusco. It is known for its traditional textiles. There is a textile factory on almost every corner. Perhaps factory is a misnomer in this case. These textile shops are run by Mamitas (an affectionate term for the women of the highlands), and there's nothing factory-like about these places. The Mamitas do it all, from raising the llamas, to spinning and dying the yarn, to weaving the fabrics, to sales and promotions.

We had the good fortune of getting a tour of one such place today. Margot, out tour guide explained the process, "There's sheep wool, alpaca, and baby alpaca. Baby alpaca is the softest of the three; it comes from the first sheering only, Alpaca is the second most sought after and sheep is the most course."

She showed us the natural Inca soap used to wash the freshly sheered wool. It is a root that produces a natural lather when ground and mixed with water. The root grows in the Andes mountains, some three hours from Chincero by foot. And the Mamitas make that trek cultivate it. They use it as shampoo also. According to Margot, it keeps their hair from graying. (I covet that.)

Next she explained the various plants, stones, and bugs used in the dying process and showed us the vivid colors produced by there various combinations. One deep shade of red is used for lipstick. According to Margot, it is a 24 hour application.

Finally, the women at the looms demonstrated the weaving process, while Margot explained the symbology in the various patterns. There are serpent eyesm the Inca trail, a harvest symbol, and more, We were told a small table runner can takes months to weave, making it a bargain at 300 soles ($100.00).

Weaving is an ancient art passed on from generation to generation, and the textiles are spectacular. This is something not to be missed while in Cusco.

Photos