blanket cape

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.

This dramatic design combines concentric rhomboids in white and black. By Waldo Berrios, this traditional Andean ruana cloak is open at the sides and front. The artisan works in a warm blend of alpaca to knit the reversible wrap, and adds abstract motifs that flow around the hem.

Pastel colors in mint green, blue, eggshell, and dark taupe are woven together in beautiful harmony in this comfortable throw blanket from India. Pursuing her passion for textiles, Seema designs this blanket, adding knotted fringes to the ends.

The vibrant design of this throw celebrates India's millenary textile arts. From UMBVS Desert Weavers of India, the red cotton throw hosts myriad traditional patterns in shades of black, orange, green, lapis blue, and white.