icon hand Over $138.5 million USD sent to artisans so far!

You may also like

Scroll Left
Scroll Right
Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco | Official selection for inclusion in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

View more artists with this honor.

Colorful Backstrap Handwoven Alpaca Ruana Cape, "Sacred Valley Heritage"

Product ID: 393619

Intricate geometric motifs come to life in radiant colors derived from natural dyes. Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco work... more

Quantity

In your cart

Details

Intricate geometric motifs come to life in radiant colors derived from natural dyes. Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco work with ancestral techniques to create fashion for today and always. This elegant ruana cape is woven by hand of fine alpaca wool, prized by the ancient Inca for its lightweight warmth. The cloak of many colors includes red, goldenrod yellow, fuchsia and orange, among others.

The community raises and cares for its own alpacas. The fleece is washed, carded and spun by hand using a pushka, or drop spindle. The dyes come from plants, nuts and tree bark. The next step is one of the most important, as the artisan prepares the warp, or vertical threads for the backstrap loom. This determines the size of the textile, the color combinations, and the patterns that will be woven.

The intensity of color can vary depending on the hardness of the water, the altitude and the local dye sources, making each textile a unique piece of handcrafted art.

  • 1.28 kgs
  • 2.8 lbs
  • Garment Measurements
  • 177.8 cm L x 137.16 cm W
  • 70" L x 54" W
  • Fringe: 9 cm L
  • Fringe: 3.5" L

  • 100% alpaca
  • All natural dyes
  • Textile softness: Soft -- this item has been made with natural fibers that are soft to the touch
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Eco-Friendly: colored with organic dyes
  • Made in Peru
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Peruicon info
  • Product ID: 393619
Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco
Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco

The Andes

Traditional handwoven Andean apparel and decor

Customer Reviews

Purchased this? Leave your review.

Artist rating

Total reviews

27

Victoria

From Los Angeles, CA

Verified Reviewer

Dec 30, 2024

Perfect size and well made”

Love the deep red color and glyph pattern. Quality workmanship. Perfect for carrying my large cell phone (iPhone 14 XL ) and essentials on my walks. This would make a nice present but Im keeping this one!

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Carol

Verified Reviewer

Dec 27, 2024

A truly beautiful purse”

I love the colors and quality of this purse. The strap adjusts easily, too. It is a work of art!

Purchased Item Mists of Cusco, Multicolored Alpaca Shoulder Bag

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Christine

Verified Reviewer

Dec 27, 2024

My favorite purse!”

I love the color and texture. it is not too large, but holds plenty.

Purchased Item Mists of Cusco, Multicolored Alpaca Shoulder Bag

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

NOVICA Recognized Master

Customer & Stylist Suggestions

Meet the Artist
icon up