Secrets of Spinning, Weaving, and Knitting in the Peruvian Highlands

September 1, 2017

The traditional textiles of the Andean highlands near Cusco, Peru, are instantly recognizable for their intricate patterns and bright colors. Alvarez, one of the founders of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, explores the centuries-old traditions of Quechua fiber arts, with a focus on spinning, weaving, and knitting. Each section of this book describes techniques that are passed along through generations, followed by tutorials explaining the methods behind these traditional crafts. The weaving section, which features the extensive use of backstrap looms, is particularly fascinating. Numerous photographs show artisans at work, giving a sense of the both the community and the complexity of creating these textile arts. VERDICT Alvarez's study of traditional Andean textile arts is both a joy to look at and a fascinating document of a unique fiber arts tradition.

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