Time Will Come Round Once More For Peruvian Fibers And Textiles

When the Spanish conquerors arrived on the shores of Peru they were offered gifts of textiles but failed to appreciate either the beauty of the products or the significance of the gifts that represented the finest things that the people had to offer. They wanted gold. Now the time has come round again for Peruvian Fibers and textiles. They are appreciated for their beauty and authenticity.

One of the world's oldest civilizations existed in Peru which has a diverse topography and climate. The territory stretched from the high Andes down to the coastal deserts. The textile industry may have become a complex and highly prized one because materials had to be moved around and combined in highly significant products. There was also a need for effective clothing in austere environments.

The trade was elevated into art form in the course of time. The climate demanded functional garments and the wealth of materials encouraged the production of complex designs and finely woven cloth made from excellent natural fibers. The excellence of the industry is now so widely recognized that both designs and techniques are being incorporated in modern industrial methods.

Harsh environmental conditions breed animals that are inured against extreme conditions such as those which prevail in mountains or deserts. Typically their hair or wool has qualities that far exceed artificial fibers in terms of suitability for human wear. They tend to be strong, yet fine, with excellent insulating qualities, and agreeable textures. Many mineral and plant products such as cotton have also contributed to the industry over a long period of time.

Animals such as polar bears and seals have furs that are highly prized but these animals are usually in the wild state and not easily domesticated. Many have had to be protected legally since they are rapidly approaching extinction. Peruvian animals such as the Llama and the Alpaca have been domesticated for centuries yet the harsh climatic conditions under which they thrive still produce the finest hair. Since breeding is controlled there is little danger of extinction.

The expertise involved in the Peruvian textile industry has been developed over many generations. The techniques are so effective and so well developed that they are employed in modern industrial procedures. The indigenous craft has such integrity that it has both modern and ancient appeal. The history has meaning because it has cultural and historic affiliations, yet the quality of the work is also acceptable.

Simple looms are used to produce complex tapestries, brocades, embroideries and cloth of outstanding quality. Hundreds of local minerals, plants and even insects have been used traditionally to create brilliant decorative features that are distinctively Peruvian. Increasingly they are being incorporated into high fashion. They fit well with contemporary tastes for ethnic and environmentally sustainable methods and the products from natural processes.

Textile production has not only an ancient tradition but also great cultural significance in Peru. Many of the designs encoded on high quality products have cultural and even philosophical significance in addition to their aesthetic qualities and their technical excellence. Their distinctive designs and artistic integrity make them ideal products for high fashion inn the twenty-first century.

By: Allan Ryckman

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