Peruvian alpaca poncho "Rainbows and Stars"

Peruvian alpaca poncho "Rainbows and Stars"

by
$400.00
Variants: 
Handmade

A beautiful example of a Peruvian poncho implementing a harmonious design with a modern feeling, while featuring traditional design patterns. It has been handcrafted by artisans from the Chahuaytire community employing traditional weaving techniques.

 

Design

There are two dominant design patterns in this poncho. Rainbows decorate its middle and its edges, while the green, rhombus-shaped patterns represent the stars. Other patterns depict the pawns of the pumas, and the Apus (mountains) in a zig-zag formation that symbolizes the union of dualities as perceived in the Andean traditions.

Like most Peruvian ponchos, it is made by joining two separately woven pieces.

 

Materials

This poncho is made with soft, quality alpaca yarn. Sometimes, the design patterns that stand out (such as the stars, the mountains and the pawns of pumas) are made with sheep wool.

All yarn has been dyed with natural, handcrafted colors:

  • Variations of blue come from the indigo plant.
  • Variations of green come from the chillka plant.
  • Variations of yellow come from the q'olle plant.
  • Variations of red, orange and purple come from the cactus insect cochineal.

 

Additional reinforcement

The neck features a beautiful string reinforcement that ensures that the two pieces will not split apart with use. The option to add similar string reinforcement all around the poncho is available for an additional cost. The reinforcement adds extra strength to all sides making it less likely to incur accidental damage, such as tearing, resulting in a better quality poncho that will last longer.

 

Dimensions

This poncho comes in two sizes:

  • Medium, 150 - 155 cm (59.06 - 61.02") length by 110 - 115 cm (43.31 - 45.28") width.
  • Large, 175 - 180 cm (68.90 - 70.87") length by 110 - 115 cm (43.31 - 45.28") width, with larger neck opening as well.

All the above dimensions are without the fringe. The fringe is between 8 cm (3.15") and 15 cm (5.91") long.

It is possible to implement smaller ponchos for kids and teenagers upon request.

Natural alpaca textiles should be handwashed in cold water using mild detergent. Let them dry on a flat surface so that they don't loose their shape.

We will only be able to confirm the shipping costs for an order when we know the exact combination of items and the destination address. In some cases items can be added to an existing shopping cart without incurring additional shipping costs.

As an example, the shipping costs when the first listed variant of this product is the only item in an order, are:

  • $36.08 USD using Express Shipping service to North America
  • $33.81 USD using Economy Shipping service to North America
  • $37.46 USD using Express Shipping service to Europe
  • $35.73 USD using Economy Shipping service to Europe

The Express Shipping service normally requires up to 10 days for delivery and the Economy Shipping service may require up to 25 days, unless there are delays in the customs authority of your country.

We normally dispatch orders within 1-3 working days of the order placement. In some cases we may require more time due to operational difficulties in the region or lack of immediate availability. In such cases we will notify you seeking a confirmation that the extra time required is acceptable for you.

There are no reviews for this product at the moment. Have a look at some reviews for other products from this shop.

  • Alpaca shawl "Mountains, Rivers and Stars"

    The perfect shawl!

    5
    by Maria B.

    I am really excited with this purchase! The material, mostly alpaca, is really high quality; the thread is very fine and it is soft at the touch, more than I would expect from a woven product. The colors come from natural dyes and yet they are more vivid than I expected.

    6 years 8 months ago
    View review
Alpaca roaming at Kinsa Cocha

About the alpaca fiber

Alpaca is the natural fiber that is derived from the hair of the Alpaca camelid, a species native to the Andes that lives between 3,500 and 4,500 meters altitude. The indigenous people in the Peruvian Andes have been harvesting the alpaca fiber for thousands of years in order to create a variety of handmade textiles. Good quality alpaca produces luxurious textiles that are famed for being lightweight, warm, strong, hypoallergenic, and for having water and fire resistance qualities.

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About the Inka Market

The Inka Market is an online marketplace that trades unique, handcrafted products from artisans and communities in the Peruvian Andes. It is an initiative of The Golden Silver Hands, a social enterprise with the mission to promote the Andean arts and crafts and to help the local artisans to improve their livelihood by reaching the global markets.