Handwerk Textiles

Thursday, December 2, 2010

A Day In And Around Cusco

Of course, on arrival in Cusco, one of the first things I had to do was check out the market across the road from the hotel. I found these well-made purses and zipper bags there. The fabrics are all hand woven and dyed with natural dyes.

We went to a weaving center, Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, on Avenue del Sol. Three weavers were demonstrating their craft, there were many beautiful textiles for sale, and there was a small museum with fabulous examples of Peruvian weavings, textiles, and traditional dress.

They had a bit of hand-dyed and spun yarn for sale. I was disappointed not to see more yarns for sale during the trip. We did see much yarn being spun, but most of it was very fine and made to be used in weaving. There was very little yarn for knitting. Hand-spun yarns for knitting must be made mainly for export.

In the afternoon we made our way to the Saqsayhuaman (pronounced almost like "Sex-y-wo-man" or "Sax-say-whoa-man") ruins outside Cusco. Here's a view of part of the ruins with Cusco in the background.

These women expected to be paid for having their photo taken.

These girls were walking through the ruins on their way home from school and stopped to slide.

Later that evening we did some more shopping downtown on the Plaza de Armas. Tiendas Museo is a textile store on the square. The owner said his grandmother and mother began collecting textiles 60 or more years ago. The collection was overwhelming.

I bought a bag, which the owner said was more than 80 years old,

and a belt, which he estimated at 50 or more years old. I was fascinated with all the miniature animal designs. Since the strap on the purse looks newer than the bag, I thought I might replace it with this belt. I think they compliment each other nicely.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Cusco, Peru

We flew over the Andes from Lima to Cusco.

Here's a view of Cusco from the airport.

Cusco, at an elevation of 10,800' above sea level, was our base of operations for four nights. Our first task was to aclimate. That means taking it easy and drinking some coca leaf tea.

Even the deserts have coca in them. This is coca creme brule.

Here are some photos that will give you an idea of what Cusco is like. I found it to be charming, vibrant, and interesting, with friendly and helpful people. It's a place I would like to get to know better. The food was excellent, and there is an interesting variety of crafts. A surprise was that Peru uses US dollars as an alternate currency. Just about anywhere, you can get a price in dollars or Peruvian Soles, pay in either currency, and get change in one or the other.