Description
The knitted hat has a long history in the Andes and provide a direct link from past to present. The Andean chullo is knitted by Q’ero men using five very fine needles. Knitting was introduced in Peru during Colonial times, but it has reached an unparalleled degree of artistry in the Andes, becoming the subject of many academic writings. While weaving is largely done by women, in many communities it is often the men who knit. These hats are made of soft, hand spun alpaca. They were hand knit by Santos Machacca Apaza, who was invited with his wife, Maruja, to participate in the 2019 Santa Fe International Folk Art Festival and Market due to their fine textiles. You will love the feel of the fine soft alpaca yarns and appreciate the symbols knitted into the hat of sacred jaguars and condors. Each hat is individually knit and is one-of-a-kind.
Learn how your purchase helps the Q’ero people: Q’ero Life in the Andes: A Partnership.
To learn more about Q’ero weaving and watch them spin and weave, watch this brief video: Weaving in the Q’ero Nation.
