Sacred Valley Heritage Colorful Backstrap Handwoven Alpaca Ruana Cape
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Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco
The Andes
Traditional handwoven Andean apparel & decor
About this Item
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.
Dimensions
- 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
Key Features
- 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 Peru

- Product ID: 393619
Gift Info
Customer Reviews
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LaDonna
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“Nice Colors”
The size of the bag is nice and the color of the bag looks nice.
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Terry
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“Beautiful, handy casual bag”
Lovely, handy, casual bag. Well made in beautiful colors. Looks great with jeans and other casual wear. It s a bag I ll get a lot of use from.
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Alexander
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“Great Find, Would Recommend!”
Beautiful craftsmanship; partner loves the bag!
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