andean textile

Moonlight warms the night high in the Andes in this extraordinarily complex wall hanging woven for the World Peace Project.

In this weaver’s symbolic representation of world peace, a musician sends clear and sonorous songs of peace far across the world. The music’s message has summoned a peace dove.

Working on a handloom, master weaver Teofilo Choquecahua conjures this message of peace while working within his traditional craft.

A hem at the top permits insertion of a display rod (not included).

Artisan Kathiana Quispe designs this passport holder to share her vision of world peace, for others to carry with them as they explore and better understand the world: "Peace is within, and one of the best ways to find it is by traveling," the artisan explains. "Traveling, you find yourself, discover new emotions, new corners, and the calmness that comes with the realization that the world is so big that your own problems become small."

The artist explains that llamas are positive, adaptable creatures known for their balance and action. They are also protectors, known to keep predators away from flocks and herds of smaller animals.

To Kathiana Quispe, the represent an image of a path to peace, as does the concept of a passport itself, increasing understanding and appreciations between far distant peoples.

Her dark brown leather passport design is enhanced with a handloomed Andean textile. The interior features a polyester lining, and pockets to secure a passport.

Llameros are what llama muleteers and herders are called in Peru. This beautiful tapestry hand-woven from 100% wool by Peruvian artisan Luis Leon depicts a "llamero" that wants to campaign for world peace at the heart of the Andes surrounded by his faithful companions: the llamas, the beloved, calm and peaceful Andean animals.

The world unites in an inspirational depiction of the wonders of humanity, sending a message of peace and unity to humankind. Artisan Fredy Huamán spreads this message of harmony in this wool and cotton blend tapestry handwoven with traditional Andean techniques that allow for an exquisite finish, portraying each of the most beautiful scenarios of the world arranged in a chakana symbol, a sign used by the Inca Empire to represent the union between the divine, human and spiritual worlds.

A multicolor palette of vibrant tones embellishes Peruvian master artist Teofilo Choquecahua's newest tapestry, created for the World Peace Project.

"This tapestry is a message of world peace from my Andean worldview," explains the artisan. "On a daily basis, man has experiences without empathy with his neighbor, because of the lack of honesty between each one of the individuals. It is for this reason that my tapestry is designed to reflect that if we cultivate honesty, we will all be loyal and without any violence. Like the doves that travel the face of the earth in peace, where there is understanding and trust in each other, there is no indifference or guilt for not being fair."

This handloomed tapestry is crafted with an alpaca, cotton, wool and polyester blend. Drawing inspiration from doves, and determined to spread a message of peace and honesty, Teofilo designed an intricate pattern of traditional regional motifs.