[(Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories )] [Author: Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez] [Aug-2013]

by Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez

A richly illustrated look at Andean weaving, which embodies the living history and culture of the Peruvian highlands, this guide extensively catalogs many of the intricate patterns found in traditional Peruvian textiles. Exploring the personal histories of the Quechua people who sustain this tradition, it examines how they weave extraordinary amounts of cloth on simple backstrap looms—just as their forebears have done for thousands of years—to make clothing, rugs, bedcovers, potato sacks, hunting slings, and sacrificial fabrics for both their villages and for interested tourists. How pattern names such as Meandering River or Lake With Flowers relate to the geography and history of the region is also discussed, as is how the traditional natural materials and colors enhance the value of the work.

Genres: History, Art, Crafts, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez is an indigenous Quechua weaver from Chinchero in the Cusco region of Peru. She is one of the founders and Director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco where she works with ten weaving communities to preserve and promote Cusqueñan textile traditions and to support the weavers and their works. She holds degrees from the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco, and speaks internationally as a recognized expert in Cusqueñan textiles. Nilda lives in Cusco and Chinchero with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[Vyviane Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was delightful. it's approachable and has beautiful pictures. Even if you don't think weaving is your thing, give it a try. It goes into dozens of topics and has a little something for everyone.

I read my copy on Hoopla.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read about this book on Abby Franquemont's blog (this post: http://www.abbysyarns.com/wordpress/?...) and was immediately intrigued. I don't know much about weaving, and I'm not yearning to learn that particular fiber art. I read Abby's blog because she's a master spinner and I'm learning to spin. She spent many childhood years in Chinchero, Peru, as her anthropologist parents were working there. Be sure to scroll down on that blog page to get to the second of the two posts about Peru - the second one talks about Nilda.

I recently got my catalogue for the 2009 Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, and Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez will be there. She's giving a (free!) talk on weaving in the Peruvian Andes on Sunday, and I want to hear it. And, being a geek, I felt the need to prepare to hear a lecture. So I ILLed this book and consumed it all in one day.

All I have to say is WOW. The stories are riveting, the photographs are stunning, and the execution of these fabrics is flawless. I would love to visit the Andes one day to experience this landscape and culture firsthand. When I go, you can bet that visiting the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (which Alvarez founded) will be at the top of my list. I am so excited about hearing her speak in person in just a few weeks!

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book to get some examples of Peruvian design for an art project. It's a short easy read with plenty of pictures and examples of Peruvian weaving. Aside from a few editing mistakes, it is well laid out and beautiful to look through.

I was hoping for a little bit more considering the background of the author, but for a simple introductory book to Peruvian weaving, this worked well. The attention to the differing detail in designs from community to community was wonderful.

[Zombie Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a how-to book, but a story of weaving as a social act for native Peruvian people. The focus here is on regional variations of patterns, local ideologies and understandings of those patterns, and local knowledge about the act of weaving and its cultural signifigance. With lots of colorful images of Peruvian weavings, mostly in garments and accessories for the body, and quotes from the makers themselves.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the photos, the stories. We go from rearing to shearing to how the children are taught to local specialties.

One caveat: The summary here on Goodreads says "this guide extensively catalogs many of the intricate patterns found in traditional Peruvian textiles". Yes, there are lots of photos but it is no catalog of patterns.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, excellent introduction to a resurging art form.