It’s an interesting word, Tinkuy. While it means a “coming together” in Quechua, it means more than that. It means (among other untranslatable things) coming together like rushing streams converging in foaming eddies to create a bigger river. There’s a lot of energy implied in the word. The first Tinkuy, in 2010, was a whirlwind of energy. The decision to hold the event was made in March amidst one of the most violent rainy seasons the Cusco District had experienced in many years. The railroad to Machu Picchu was washed out. Bridges were washed out. People perished. But CTTC? They said, “Let’s do it!” And so they did, a scant seven months later. And it was splendid. The event was … Read More
“We women have dreams . . . ”
Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, Director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, and her sister, master weaver Adela Callañaupa, traveled from the Andes to San Francisco to attend the TEDWomen conference in late October 2016. Sponsored by the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise (AAE), Nilda spoke at the TEDWomen’s Global Showcase as one of three global artisan speakers. The Aspen Institute started in a small way in 1949, but today is a major player in a number of arenas, including supporting and hosting The Alliance for Artisan Enterprise. Peggy Clark, Director of the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise and Vice President of Aspen Global Health and Development, worked with TEDWomen to bring twelve artisans to TED. The Alliance, its partners, and members “envision a … Read More