Symbols & Patterns
The patterns one can find in traditional Andean weaving are almost limitless. There is a strong presence of old world symbols, which have been around for centuries. There are regional variations and preferences for patterns in certain communities, just as there are for colour and specific clothing items. As with dye, the patterns often come from nature, although in the case of pattern, this tie with nature is one of inspiration, rather than a direct sampling of the natural material.
Andean people live in harmony with nature and many of the imagery in their designs reflect nature. Popular “edging” patterns include inti (sun), mayu (river) and straight and curving paths through the mountains. Series of flowers, stars and eyes are also common. Some designs a foreigner or outsider can clearly discern, but in other cases, they merely appear to be attractive geometric arrangements. More often than not the weaver will say a Quechua name that cannot be translated to Spanish easily, and then explain that it is an ancient design from their grandparents times.
“Traditional textile patterns honor Pachamama, Mother Earth, and express thankfulness for growth, regeneration and the idea of being related the natural world.”
Other popular designs are those that reflect the daily life of the women in the mountains – llamas, dogs, ducks, and condors – plus significant historical events and characters in Andean folklore.
If one visits an indigenous community, or has the chance to talk at length with weavers selling their work in Cusco, one soon discovers that the meanings conveyed in the patterns and symbols of Andean weaving very much depend on the personality and experience of the weaver. This may seem obvious, as it must surely be the case with any art form. But here, there is such a strong undercurrent of shared iconography, that it can be very interesting to discuss meaning with a weaver. Two symbols, made exactly alike, can have totally different meanings to different makers. If the weaver has a sense of humour, you may find some funny stories connected to her choice of pattern. If she is reverent of history, there may be some classic tales of historic figures and noble deeds contained in the thread. One conversation we had with a weaver centered around her choosing to depict a boat in her work. Given the remote mountain location of her home, we wondered where it came from. She explained that she had been inspired by her children, who were playing with a toy boat in the little stream in front of the house.
So often the pictures can only be deciphered in conversation with the maker. And that is an experience which is waiting for you in the mountains of Peru. For this discussion, we will simply present examples of some of the different symbols and patterns that you are likely to find in traditional Andean weaving, and give the most common explanations for what they are.
You'll have to visit the weavers for their individual stories.
- Symbols & Patterns
Animals
Animals are very common symbols in traditional Andean weaving, and many of the weavers we have spoken to about them seem to take almost a girlish joy in making them. This is a joy that is reflected in the great care they have taken in the detail of their construction.
Dogs and llamas permeate the daily existence of mountain communities, yet they are not the only animals to appear in the textiles.
Some of the creatures featured here, are very rarely encountered, and may never have been seen by the weaver - but they are common in the imagination! Therefore, they find their way to capture in the woven threads of the weaving.
