Cultural Preservation

Young Weavers (Grupo de Ninos y Jovenes Tejedores)

The Young Weavers program brings children and youth in the Andean weaving communities together to study traditional and historical textile art techniques. Andean Textile Arts (ATA) funds provide a program coordinator, materials, and travel costs to museums and gatherings. Young weavers get hands-on experience exploring their ancient textile heritage from the Nazca, Chavin, Paracas, Chimú, Chancay, and Inca cultures. The young weavers often work to revive almost-lost traditions and bring them back to their communities. By helping build the children’s textile skills and pride in their heritage, we help preserve traditions, foster friendships between the young weavers and their communities, and ensure a bright future for their communities and way of life.

Read the latest news from the Young Weavers in our blog.

  • A young weaver at Chahuayteri. Photo courtesy of CTTC.

  • A young weavers group at Chahuayteri. Photo courtesy of CTTC.

Weaving Competitions

Thread by thread, the people of the Andes are recovering their textile traditions and taking their work to amazing new levels. Their progress is especially evident at the ATA-sponsored weaving competition, held annually in conjunction with the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC). Weavers from surrounding villages enter their best woven and knitted textiles, including skillfully crafted mantas, chullos, belts, and ponchos. The competition awards prizes to the top three weavers from each village and CTTC purchases the winning textiles to add to its permanent collection.

With your support, we can continue to provide a means for Andean weavers, knitters and spinners to advance their work and honor their heritage.

  • Community project from the 2010 weaving contest.

  • The looping entry from Huacatinco weavers for CTTC’s 2018 weaving competition.

Chocolatadas

Throughout December, the people of Peru gather for “chocolatadas,” traditional celebrations in which the more fortunate provide hot chocolate, Christmas bread, and gifts to the children in poorer communities. Since 2002, Andean Textile Arts has also adopted this wonderful custom and expanded it to include elders, as well as children, in the villages where we sponsor community shelters.

  • Children always enjoy a treat of chocolate during chocolatadas.

  • Playful activities are always a part of the annual Chocolatadas in the communities.