the protector

Made entirely by hand, this beautiful contemporary bag showcases the ancestral weaving traditions preserved by the women artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. The compact purse exemplifies the incredible time and dedication it takes to produce a handmade work of art. In the highlands they call home, before they can begin to weave the fabric for the bag, the women must first raise and shear the alpacas and llamas to obtain the wool, then dye and spin the fleece before it is ready to be woven into fabric on a traditional backstrap loom. From start to finish, the time taken to produce each bag spans the seasons. The fully-lined bag closes with a zipper and features an interior zipper pocket.

The magnificent Inca wall that once protected an entire empire is now part of a dapper creation by Briseida Huete from Peru. The artisan crafts this pullover from 100% alpaca yarns, allowing a soft sensation that completes the crew neck and long sleeves with comfort. The pattern imitates a classic wall, combining alabaster, beige, blue, red and green hues for a smart look.

Artisan Kathiana Quispe designs this passport holder to share her vision of world peace, for others to carry with them as they explore and better understand the world: "Peace is within, and one of the best ways to find it is by traveling," the artisan explains. "Traveling, you find yourself, discover new emotions, new corners, and the calmness that comes with the realization that the world is so big that your own problems become small."

The artist explains that llamas are positive, adaptable creatures known for their balance and action. They are also protectors, known to keep predators away from flocks and herds of smaller animals.

To Kathiana Quispe, the represent an image of a path to peace, as does the concept of a passport itself, increasing understanding and appreciations between far distant peoples.

Her dark brown leather passport design is enhanced with a handloomed Andean textile. The interior features a polyester lining, and pockets to secure a passport.

Designed by the Ulloa Family in Peru, this beautiful scarf is hand woven on a traditional loom. The 100% alpaca wool scarf is crafted in avocado accompanied by cheerful stripes of red, orange and yellow. Colorful fringe accents both ends.