Click on photos
to enlarge:
Raúl
THE WEAVING WORKSHOP
The town of Chinchero, near Cuzco, dates back to the time of the Incas, and one can still see the ruins of the palace of Tupac Inca on a hill overlooking the town. But Chinchero is better known for its weaving workshop and its lively local market. Luckily for us, Chinchero also happens to be the town where our guide, Raúl, grew up, and we spent a fascinating day learning how Peru's ancient weaving traditions are being kept alive:
Click on photos
to enlarge:
Raúl
THE WEAVING WORKSHOP
Local weavers demonstrated their craft for the Elon group, starting with the dyeing of the wool, the spinning of the yarn and then the weaving process, using backstrap looms which have not changed since Inca times:
Demonstration |
Spinning |
Weaving |
Expert weaver |
Dazzling! |
Elon students weaving |
Elon students weaving |
Raúl and Mom |
The weaving workshop in Chinchero is part
of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Click on the following
link to learn more about the Incas, Chinchero, and this worthy organization's
efforts to preserve the ancient craft of Andean weaving:
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THE MARKET
The open air market also draws visitors to Chinchero. Here one can buy everything from weavings to pottery to flowers, food, drinks, herbs, and souvenirs of all sorts. Markets such as this one can be found in almost every town in the Andes, but the one in Chinchero is particularly colorful.
