The Incas and their predecessors are renowned for their ceramics, their precious metalwork and their colossal stone buildings. But how did they dress? Precious textiles were used by the Incas not only to clothe themselves but also as a symbol of power and identity, for sacrificial purposes and as a means of exchange. This autumn, the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels will show a breath-taking collection of textiles and feathers, as well as gold, silver and shell jewellery. There will even be a workshop at which Peruvian women will demonstrate their traditional weaving techniques.
The exhibition, aimed at a broad public, will feature around 200 objects from the museums’ own holdings, together with items from the Linden Museum in Stuttgart, MAS in Antwerp and Belgian private collections. 23 November 2018 to 24 March 2019 at the Royal Museums of Art and History (Parc du Cinquantenaire) in Brussels.
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Well, I'm in Peru! After spending a night in the Atlanta Airport (which is huge, by the way), I made it to Lima to attend the 15th annual Peru Gift Show! As part of Peru Fashion Week, the gift show coincided with runaway events and collection viewings of some of the best and brightest Peruvian designers, attracting international attention for their unique use of textiles and innovative construction.
I have met many designers, weavers, suppliers and buyers from around the world, but was overjoyed to have conversations with organizations that work to preserve the rich traditions of the Peruvian textile industry.
Textiles in Peru date back to 600 BC, when pre-Incan cultures would layer mummies in colorful and ornate garments as a sign of respect. Today, many weavers utilize the same techniques as their ancestors, down to the pegs, shuttles and rods used in their looms. And while the Incas will forever be famous for their architectural feats, their textiles continue to play an important role in the culture.
So, without further ado, here are some of my photos!
A traditional loom one might find in Peru, or in the confines of a massive gift show. This gentleman was creating yarn for baskets.
Yarn samples and a strategically placed Peru Moda booklet.
Made from alpaca fiber and pima cotton, these sweaters and button-ups were super soft and comfortable. Many Peruvian companies utilize alpaca because it's light, silky and luxurious. It feels like cashmere and is stronger than wool. And it's sustainable! Found only in South America, communities have been working with alpaca fibers for thousands of years to create clothing, accessories, gifts and more.
"Baby alpaca" is a classification given to alpaca fibers that have been spun into the softest, finest yarn. It has nothing to do with the age of the animal but rather the diamater of the hair. Put a baby alpaca scarf on and you will feel as though you've been wrapped in a cloud.
These bags were created using local leather and traditional textiles in collaboration with weaving collectives around the country. The leather, which was produced without using any harsh chemicals or dyes, is soft to the touch.
This was an exhibit on computerized machine embroidery, which is utilized throughout the world to mass produce designs for clothing, accessories, homewares and more. The display was quite the juxtaposition with the traditional textiles that surrounded it.
Thank you so much to everyone at the show—I was truly humbled by all the Peruvians who were patient with my rudimentary Spanish and willing to speak with me about their traditions and their products. And to ByHand Consulting to being such fabulous aides and facilitating my trip to South America, thank you.
