Work is underway to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of the Yanesha women of Peru. By Stitch, creating with fabric+thread.

April 2014 (Stitch). Text: Emily Ketterer. Photos: CHIRAPAQ.

The Yanesha community of the Central peruvian Amazon is battling to conserve its cultural identity, including the production of native cottons and dye plants that make up their traditional crafts.

Since October 2012, 150 native bes (cotton in Yanesha language) plants have been planted over 2,500 square meters in hopes of continuing tradition.

Currently, there are eight shades of bes including brown, beige, cream, pink, green, blue, black, and chestnut.

“It is important for us to mantain the traditional arts ans crafts of the Yaneha people which otherwise could be irretrievably lost”, says Valbina Miguel Toribio. “These traditions were passed down to us from our remote ancestors. This is a way of preserving identity.”

Facing deforestation, as well as competition from cheaper synthetic products, the Center for Indigenous Cultures of Peru (CHIRAPAQ) has been championing many indigenous organizations in an effort to reclaim bes, and the region’s heritage. Read full article below.

Stitch is a magazine that explores traditional techniques and stitches and uses them in new and exciting ways. To subscribe please visit www.quiltingdaily.com