ARTE-AYMARA ASSOCIATION
spinners and knitters
Arte-Aymara brings together several hundred artisans. It has a cooperative structure, and endeavors to preserve and promote the native Aymara culture in many ways, including the fair trade of handicrafts. The members transform alpaca fibre according to the customs and traditions of their ancestors. Spinning alpaca fibre and hand knitting are an integral part of their daily lives. The vast majority of artisans have their own herd and they do all stages of production from alpaca breeding to the finished product.
Arte-Aymara comprises 9 communities uniting over 300 artisans;
The Aymara are the second largest indigenous group in Peru;
They live in the large region of Lake Titicaca, at an altitude between 3 800 and 5 500 meters (12 500 to 18 000 feet);
Most people make a living by raising camelids (the group which includes alpacas and llamas) or through subsistence farming;
For these Andean communities, working with alpaca fibre is a way of life that must be preserved!
The association is mainly composed of women. This group contributes to their emancipation and personal fulfillment while allowing them to contribute to family income.
