CTTC WEAVERS FOR THE EYES OF THE WORLD

CTTC WEAVERS FOR THE EYES OF THE WORLD

The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC) collaborates with ten weaving associations in the Cusco region of Peru on a fair-trade basis to preserve traditions and promote the weavers and their work. Through a strong community-based organizational structure, CTTC offers training workshops, educational opportunities, and exhibition platforms that empower our weavers. In collaboration with strategic allies and closely connected to the warehouse area, we handle the packaging and shipping of CTTC’s selected textiles. These pieces, handmade with natural fibers and dyes, are a testament to the refinement and cultural richness of a people. Every thread, design, and color narrates the traditions, customs, life experiences, and creativity expressed through this textile art.

On this occasion, we will mention four important strategic allies with whom we work hand in hand to spread the skills of our weavers:

1. PERUVIAN CONNECTION
They draw inspiration for their different collections from our textiles, which has allowed us to go beyond our borders. For several years, we exported our weavings to their factories in the USA and London, where they later designed clothing and accessories to be displayed in their stores across the United States and in their catalogs through online sales on their website.
Our latest project was the design of fabrics and belts made of baby alpaca by our weavers from Accha Alta, which were very well received, as can be seen in their publications through their social media.

2. PAKA
We have worked closely with Kris Cody, founder of Paka, and we have witnessed how his company has grown into an exclusive clothing brand for nature lovers. Paka produces its garments with high-quality natural fibers and materials, and by exporting its products to different parts of the world, it has helped our textiles reach new places.

3. NOVICA
Novica is one of the largest platforms in the world that, through its website, helps different global artisans—CTTC among them—make an impact worldwide with their handmade products, empowering them through a direct connection between the artisan and the customer.
We started working with Novica during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped us spread and promote our textiles through our own space within their global platform. There, we can access and see which of our products sell the most and send them more items to keep the sales going.

4. SERET AND STUFF
This is a store owned by Ira Seret, who has developed a unique style in rug, fabric, and furniture design. Through one of director Nilda Callañaupa’s trips to the Santa Fe fair, our textiles caught his eye. Since then, we have worked together by sending them fabrics over 200 meters long so they could use them in their collection of upholstered sofas. These pieces, rich in color and design, became part of an exclusive furniture collection, once again impressing the world with our textile wealth, which we are proud to share.

Despite the growing recognition and demand for our textiles, CTTC still faces many challenges. Mass-produced textile imitations have flooded the market, often leading to exploitation and cultural appropriation. It is crucial that people support ethical practices and purchase authentic products that directly benefit indigenous weavers.

Additionally, climate change and industrialization threaten the traditional materials used in our weaving. As ecosystems change, the availability of natural dyes and fibers may be compromised. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the sustainability of our textiles.

Textiles are not just fabrics; they are stories, traditions, and a deep connection to the past. These fine weavings continue to captivate the eyes of the world, reminding us of the beauty and importance of handmade textiles. As we celebrate and appreciate these masterpieces, CTTC remains committed to the cultural heritage they represent, ensuring it endures for generations to come.