Festival Blog
During a festival in Peru, specifically the Perú: Pachamama program, eleven alpacas from Flame Pool and Sugarloaf Alpaca farms in Maryland made a special appearance. To honor their presence, the weavers from the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco held a traditional fiber blessing ceremony called an “alpaca chuyay.” This ceremony, typically held in January and February when alpacas give birth, is a way to express gratitude and ask for blessings for the health and abundance of the alpacas.
The ceremony was led by Timoteo Ccarita Sacaca, who spoke in Quechua, the native language of Peru, while Centro founder Nilda Callañaupa translated into Spanish and presenter Emily Socolov translated into English. The weavers processed through the festival grounds, inviting Kathy Graziana, owner of Flame Pool Alpacas, to join in the ceremony. Kathy was dressed in a woolen hat and jacket, embracing the Peruvian tradition.
The centerpiece of the ceremony was a woven blanket laid out on the ground. The weavers placed a square “offering cloth,” known as “unkuña,” on top of the blanket. This cloth was divided into quarters, each representing a different spirit or force, including Mother Earth, the mountain spirit, ancestors, and natural forces like lightning. The weavers placed white carnation petals, coca leaves and seeds, peanuts, crackers, and candy on top of the cloth as offerings. The candy, in the shapes of cars, corn, houses, and hearts, symbolized the weavers’ desire for protection of their belongings and their health. Additionally, a medallion, gold and silver paper symbolizing the sun and the moon, were added to the offering. The weavers believed that burning this offering would allow the spirits to receive it.
Once the offering was prepared, Timoteo wrapped it in paper, tied it up with string made from alpaca wool, and placed it in a woven pouch. He instructed Kathy to burn the offering, as a way to send it to the spirits. Meanwhile, the women weavers poured “chicha,” a fermented corn alcohol, into pairs of cups representing male and female. Each member of the group took the cups to the alpacas and said their own blessings, asking for the alpacas’ health and an abundance of fleece.
The alpaca chuyay ceremony was a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the alpacas and express gratitude for their presence. It gave festival visitors the opportunity to witness and participate in an important aspect of Peruvian traditional culture. By preserving and sharing these cultural practices, the Perú: Pachamama program helps to keep alive the rich heritage of Peru.
In addition to the alpaca chuyay ceremony, the festival showcased the weaving skills of artisans from Cusco and Ayacucho. These talented weavers demonstrated their craft and shared their knowledge with festival attendees. The hand-woven textiles created by these artisans are not only beautiful but also tell stories of Peruvian history and traditions. Each pattern and design carries symbolism and meaning, reflecting the connection between the weavers and their cultural heritage.
The festival also provided an opportunity for visitors to learn about the process of creating textiles from alpaca wool. From the shearing of the alpacas to the spinning and dyeing of the wool, festival attendees gained insight into the labor-intensive and intricate process behind these traditional textiles. They were able to see firsthand the skill and expertise required to transform raw alpaca wool into exquisite garments and artwork.
The Perú: Pachamama festival was not only a celebration of Peruvian culture but also a platform for dialogue and exchange. Visitors had the chance to interact with the weavers and learn about their lives, their traditions, and the challenges they face. Through these interactions, a deeper understanding and appreciation of Peruvian culture were fostered, creating connections and bridges between different communities.
At the heart of the festival was a desire to preserve and promote traditional Peruvian crafts and cultural practices. The weavers and artisans showcased their skills and products, generating interest and support for their work. By creating awareness and appreciation for these traditional crafts, the festival contributes to the sustainability of these cultural practices, ensuring their continuation for future generations.
In conclusion, the Perú: Pachamama festival was a vibrant celebration of Peruvian culture, specifically highlighting the importance of alpacas and their fiber in traditional Peruvian crafts. The alpaca chuyay ceremony, along with the weaving demonstrations and educational programs, provided a unique and immersive experience for festival attendees. Through these experiences, a deeper understanding and appreciation of Peruvian traditions and heritage were fostered. The festival served as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, connecting different communities and promoting the preservation of traditional crafts for future generations.