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Oct 01
On the Cloth Road in Peru: Visiting the Accha Alta Weavers
Visiting the weavers in Accha Alta this weekend greatly touched my life. Accha Alta is a small community located above the Sacred Valley just a few hours outside of Cusco. After passing through the town of Calca, the winding road climbs past high desert foliage to this 11,750-foot-elevation mountain community.
The weavers of Accha Alta have a strong sense of identity. They are very proud of their traditional dress and wear it every day. In 1999, when CTTC began working with them, almost all of the members, both men and women, already knew how to weave. It is evident that the Accha Alta weaving center is a real gift to the community and offers the weavers a place to connect and make textiles.
Accha Alta weaver working on a all natural piece while wearing a manta of many colors.
Accha Alta’s weavings feature wide geometric and floral combinations in many colors. My favorite of their weavings demonstrate their aptitude for mixing the natural wool colors straight from the alpaca and sheep. They are fast and nimble weavers and their ability to spin is second nature. I took a short video for you to see their handspinning (click here).
Upon leaving Accha Alta I couldn’t help but contemplate what makes one truly happy. At times, while weaving, I have found myself in a meditative state only realizing several hours later how much I accomplished. Yet these weavers seemed in that state while I stood watching. Oh how I strive to attain the same rhythm and knowledge as them. To see exquisite examples of Accha Alta weaving in the ClothRoads shop follow this link.
Accha Alta Weavers working quietly.
