This Season of Gifting and Thanks

When we launched ClothRoads four years ago, we began by gifting to a few international organizations–one of those was the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC). Year over year, we not only witnessed CTTC’s growth but its sustainability. Next year, CTTC will be twenty years old. It has aided in the rescue and promotion of traditional textiles and cultural heritage within the Peruvian highlands, giving ongoing support to ten weaving communities—that’s over 650 weavers plus their families. We’re proud to help support it and the artisans.

A family photo of a weaving family from Accha Alta.

The young weavers of Chinchero spin away. Photo credit Joe Coca.

The young weavers group officers of Huacatinco.

Chocolatada
At this time of year, the CTTC staff and other volunteers take the occasion to give back to the families that have helped make CTTC a success. This December, 3250 kids will be looking forward to their annual Chocolatada (bread, chocolates, toys, and festivities) made possible by the generous support of friends and donors. This year gifts will be also be given to the elderly of the villages who have been abandoned, neglected, or are alone with no one to care for them.

Warm homemade bread is a welcome treat for the highland children.

This game brings out the competitive nature of the girls in Huacatinco.

An elder from the Mahuaypampa community.

Give a Donation
During this season of gifting, consider making a donation to Chocolatadas or to the Young Weavers Program. Andean Textile Arts, a U.S. 501c3, adopted Chocolatada as a special project in 2002. You can make a tax-deductible donation online at www.andeantextilearts.org and designate where you would like your funds to go.

Women from Accha Alta spinning while a child winds a ball of yarn. Photo credit: Barry Chant

Handspinning alpaca. Her carrying bag is a manta.

Gift the Work by Artisans’ Hands
Thank you for supporting the artisans and ClothRoads, especially during this gifting season. Gifts made by the hands of artisans are ones treasured for a lifetime. Click on this link to see what special CTTC products are in stock, ready to ship to you. We wish you happy holidays during this season of light and love from all of us at ClothRoads and the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from CTTC

Special thanks to ATA, CTTC, Joe Coca, and Thrums Books for providing the images for this blog.