peru1d_706

Threads of Peru, ngo - handwoven, handspun, naturally dyed textiles.
Cochineal is the most commonly used substance for the production of red dye. It is a scale insect (a relative of the aphid) found on the prickly pear cactus, which is common to the Sacred Valley. The insect is dried in the sun and then ground into a fine powder using stones, a mortar and pestle, or a hand-turned grinder. This powder is then added to water and boiled as the basis of the dyeing process. Fixatives must be used with cochineal to adjust the pH and ensure color fastness. Depending on the type, quantity, and combination of fixatives used, cochineal can be used to dye a wide range of shades, from bright red to shades of pink, purple, and more.

Melchor Ttupa Quispe is a master dyer and his wife Narcisa is a weaver. They live in the town of Amparaes but belong to the Pitukiska Weaving Association as they are both originally from Pitukiska village. They use only local plants for the natural dyes.

peru1d706PeruAndesTextilesTraditionalNatural DyesWeaversWeavingAlpacaWoolLlamaIndigoCochineal