peru1d_954

Threads of Peru, ngo - handwoven, handspun, naturally dyed textiles. Alpaca yarn dyed with a mix of indigo and k'insacucho, fixed with alum.

Kinsa K'uchu or Baccharis genistelloides
Produces the following colours: Pale blue, turquoise, teal, light blue
The name kinsa k’uchu means “three corners” in Quechua. This name is due to the shape of the leaf, which is composed of three flat sections radiating out from a central axis. It is particularly found at middle altitudes in the Mapacho River Valley, bordering the edge of the jungle. Locals from communities in this area, such as Parobamba and Bombon, walk down hillsides looking for this characteristic plant.
The tri-cornered leaves grow in clusters, straight up from the root, reaching a height of about a third of a meter. It can be harvested at any point during the year.

Only leaves that have been affected by a black fungus are collected for dyeing. It is not the plant itself but a fungus that grows on kinsa k’uchu that provides dye colours. Since kinsa k’uchu has a natural PH of 2.5 it does not need further fixing since the acidity of the leaf acts as a fixative. Leaves must be dried and ground before being used. 4 kilograms of fresh kinsa k’uchu leaves turns into approximately 1 kilogram of dried leaves. Dried leaves are added to the dye pot before the water boils.

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.

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