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Latin and
Caribbean Art:
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Black Runner,
Click on picture for details.
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TRADITIONAL TEXTILES OF INCAS
Weaving Techniques in Andean Textiles
Cusquenan contemporary textiles are woven on backstrap and four - staked looms. They are
warp-faced textiles, which means that patterns appearing in the textiles are made by the
warp (vertical) threads. The weft (horizontal) threads are completely covered by warp
threads, because picking up warp threads creates the designs.
Textiles made with complementary technique are double-faced. Picking up the same number of
upper and lower warp threads creates the pattern. The result is a double-faced weaving
with different colors on each side. |
In supplementary technique known as 'ley pallay', one of the colors of the warp,
usually a light color is supplementary. The light color is kept in place without being
picked up or dropped. When the design is created only the dark color is dropped and picked
up. Weavers call this a one-faced textile.
In weft-faced tapestry weaving the patter is produced by the colors of the weft. The warp
is not visible.
The materials that The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco weavers are using in their
textiles are hand spun sheep, alpaca and llama fibers. Natural dyes are prepared from many
plants, cochineal, indigo and some minerals. |
Silk Wool in Black F1412-PE
Click on picture for details.
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Silk Wood in Reds F1411-PE
Click on picture for details. $400 each.
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Nilda Callanaupa is our partner and the founder of The Center for Tradiitonal
Textiles of Cusco. The center is a non-profit organization established in 1996 to aid in
the survival of Incan textile traditions and to provide support to weaving communities.
There are about 250 weavers working with the center from villages like Chinchero,
Pitumarca, Chahuaytiri, Acca Alta, and Patabamba.
In some villages, like Chinchero, weaving traditions are still strong, despite modern
changes that are rapidly being introduced. The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco
meets and works with the younger generation in Chinchero and other villages, encouraging
young people to learn their weaving skills, and preserving their valuable weaving
tradition for the future. |
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