During one of the training sessions held with the association Munay Pallay Awaqkuna from Accha Alta, we experienced a moment that we remember with special affection. While conducting a session on price analysis, we noticed that one of the weavers consistently obtained a different result from the rest of the group.

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.

Revitalizing Dyeing Workshops with Associations
The Traditional Textiles Center of Cusco holds dyeing workshops in various associations. This year, we began with the Inka Pallay Weavers Association of Chahuaytire, the Munay Pallay Awaqkuna Weavers Center of Accha Alta, the Munay Awaqkuna Weavers Center of Huacatinco, and the Watay Weavers Center of Santa Cruz de Sallac. Adult weavers and a group of children participated in the event.

From the Department of Education, we continue to work enthusiastically on the project that seeks to master pre-Columbian techniques. As part of this initiative, monthly deliveries are scheduled with each of the associations that are part of the Cusco Traditional Textiles Center, which amazes us with the dedication, talent, and commitment they demonstrate in their work.

Step into a world where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, our new temporary exhibit invites you on a journey through the vibrant legacy of Andean textile artistry.

Although vaccines have been controlling the massive contagions of covid-19, some are still affected, sick and even in critical condition.

I want to share, my experience from the moment CTTC started in Pitumarca, we were only four girls, Teófila, Valeria, Herminia and I, who followed their mothers, but the conditions were to go with a typical suit, know how to do something like for example

In these moments of health emergency, It only remains to learn to live with energy and a positive mind. I believe that the happiness of our lives consists in doing something for someone who needs us and CTTC continues with the work of weaving in the face of the situation in which we live.

Mothers all over the world form an important part of our lives. They never say no when we ask for help, and they teach us everything they know to make things easier for us. Without our mothers, life wouldn't be the same.  Likewise, mothers are essential to achieve CTTC’s mission. 

The Awacpa Wasin exhibition was created to represent a traditional house occupied by weavers between the years 1960 to 1990 in the community of Chinchero. This exhibition is not a replica of an historic house, but serves as a means to interpret the stories and anecdotes of the Chinchero elders. It also shows wath traditional houses looked like based on visits houses of this type that still exist today.

Visit our museum Weaving Lives on Av. Sol 603, Cusco, Peru and learn about the traditional weaving process through examples of the finest textiles from the Cusco region. Discover ancient techniques that weavers have recovered and explore textile traditions that are still being kept alive. The museum Weaving Lives provides a unique look into how textiles are used on a daily basis and throughout the lives of the people of Cusco. It’s a great stop for textile enthusiasts, families and the intrepid traveler alike.

The CTTC regularly organizes workshops of training for the weavers, staff, and board members with the aim to enhance skills and knowledge in different areas such as textile preservation, product development, accounting, legal issues, health care, among other community development areas.

The Education Department at the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco encourages interaction between weavers and the public through a variety of programs. Each year, the department holds events for the young weavers, the adult weavers, and the general public to teach about textile traditions and to inspire greater respect for them. For the adult weavers and young weavers, this includes activities such as classes on ancient Peruvian textiles, annual weaving competitions, and workshops to revive pre-Columbian techniques.

The Away Riqcharicheq Weaving Center in Chinchero is currently hosting part of the exhibition “Reclaiming Ancient Paracas: The Struggle to Recover a Textile Technique” opened in Museo Inka in 2019. 
 

The Center was privileged to receive different awards in the last years.

The Center in conjunction with Andean Textile Arts, organization of the United States, celebrate Christmas with the children, weavers, the elderly and residents of the ten communities and districts that are part of the Center. During the famous "chocolatadas", the CTTC family gathers in each weaving association, sharing pleasant moments while enjoying hot chocolate, breads and cakes. The children of the communities look forward to the Christmas season with joy.

The weavers of the ten associations, years ago agreed to have an especial sports day dedicate to the CTTC`s Anniversary during the month of April with the participation of all weavers and the CTTC`s team. This event takes place in a different community every year, hosted and organized by weavers’ associations and their authorities.