Hidden Threads of Peru: Q'Ero Textiles

by Ann Pollard Rowe, John Cohen, Textile Museum (Washington DC)

Q'ero is an isolated indigenous community in southern Peru, on the eastern slope of the Andes. In this harsh environment, a rich and complex textile tradition, the chief artistic expression of the Q'ero people, has endured from pre-Hispanic times. Woven from the hair of local alpacas, the colorful shawls, ponchos, bags, and other textiles produced are worn daily and form part of the rituals and ceremonies of Q'ero. Examining the textile traditions that are distinctive to Q'ero within those of the Cuzco area in general, Hidden Threads of Peru combines ethnography, anecdote, and textile art to offer fascinating new insights into a culture that can trace its traditions back to the Inca empire. The Q'ero people themselves discuss the significance of the fabrics they make and the nature of their Andean life, while photographs taken from the early twentieth century to the present day illustrate the daily life and rituals of the Q'ero people, as well as-in sumptuous full color-the textiles themselves, revealing the evolution and range of patterns over a one-hundred-year period.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

There aren't many books on Q'Ero weaving so it gets 3 stars for existing. The content of the book was pretty redundant for me. Almost all of the information in chapter one can be found on the internet. I was hoping for more personal stories and experiences given the authors background. Overall though its a good introductory book on the topic but not worth the the prices you see on the internet. Its a hard book to track down and often sells for over $100. Normally, I like to own this type of book so I can reference it when needed, with this book though I think one read is enough. (Go interlibary loan)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked with one of the authors and I know they spent a great deal of time researching these beautiful pieces and interacting with the women who created them. Their techniques are complex and amazing and the color reproductions are very accurate.