Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands
Review of Book Exploring Traditional Textiles and Fiber Crafts
Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories, published by Interweave Press, is a book that explores the hand woven textiles of the area.
Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories is a book with wide appeal. Although weaving is at the heart of the book, anyone with an interest in spinning, knitting, textile history, Andean cultural studies and any other fiber craft will find this book a delight, as will armchair travelers interested in the region.
Unlike other weaving or fiber related books this is not a ‘how to’ guide and there are no instructions or projects given. Instead the book offers an in-depth exploration of the textile traditions which represent the living history of the Peruvian Andes. The book looks at fiber production from animal to the loom, explores how the natural environment reflects on the production of textiles and how this influences the lives of normal people living and working in the region.
The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco
The author of Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands is Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez who is the founder of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco which is the combination of a school, gallery and museum. More information about the Center can be found at the dual language website TextilesCusco.org. Within the book Nilda seeks to share the textile traditions of the region with the reader and to give a glimpse into this rich culture.
The Book
Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands is broken down into sections and is richly illustrated with photographs. The sections include:
- Introduction
- A Look At Traditional Clothing – including the poncho (these ponchos are a long way from the squares of knitted cloth that the fashion poncho has developed into), Chullos which are traditional Peruvian hats, the Llicllas or Mantas which are used to carry babies,
- How Textiles Are Made – this includes taking a look at the fiber producing animals of the region such as llamas, alpacas and sheep.
- Learning Designs and Techniques – how the traditional designs are passed on through the generations.
- Names and Meanings – About the different designs and patterns.
- Textile Traditions – An interesting section about the tradition of textiles in this region. This includes words to traditional songs, rituals and superstitions plus local stories.
- Preserving Traditions – how the traditions of the region are protected from dying out.
Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands is peppered with memories and thoughts from the women living and working in the region, which are a delight to read and bring a personal perspective to the book, giving the reader a snapshot into the sometimes difficult lives and lifestyle of people living in Cusco.
Conclusion
This is an extremely interesting book and should engage a wide variety of readers. It is not recommended for people looking for a project book or weaving tutorials; however it is highly recommended to people seeking a broader understanding of textile crafts or the traditions of the Peruvian highlands.
More Information:
Title: Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories
Author: Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez
ISBN: 978-1596680555
Publisher: Interweave Press
