Ceremony
Descendants of the Inka, the Q’ero live high in the Andean clouds; their remote location has safeguarded their ancestral traditions and wisdom. Ceremony and honoring sacred symbiosis with nature is fundamental to the Q’ero as is their weaving. Each step in the process is a separate ceremony honoring the ancestors and Mother Nature.
The Q’ero create their beautiful woven clothing and bags using the natural, undyed fibers of their Alpacas and Vicunas. They bring deep respect to the treatment of their animals and lovingly raise them to be healthy and happy, knowing in return, their hair will grow long and luxurious. Prior to shearing them, they perform a sacred ceremony where offerings are made to these precious animals to show gratitude for their well-being and for the beautiful wool they produce.
Ancient patterns have been woven throughout their history that tell the story of their lives and their origins. As they weave, they are accompanied by the spirit of the spindle and the Qapa Ch’eqa Ñust’a, the invisible muse who is the keeper of the ancient patterns. Ancestral knowledge is passed down through Inka Pallay, ancient patterns woven throughout their history that tell the story of their lives and their origins.
Each line of color and change in pattern is woven with prayers and intentions spoken to the sun, wind, moon, stars, and the sacred mountains that protect them. An offering is made by the weaver asking for enough power and energy to execute the complex patterns and complete the weaving–each step in the process a separate ceremony honoring the ancestors, honoring Mother Nature.