Peru is known for many incredible things, one being the San Pedro de Cajas tapestry.  Absolutely, exquisite this tapestry is all hand woven, made from 90% sheep wool and just 10% cotton.  San Pedro de Cajas tapestry is vibrantly colored using all-natural dyes that come from cochineal insects.  The patterns are all very, distinct, boasting white houses, red roofs, and magnificent green backgrounds.  The fascinating thing about this type of Peruvian tapestry is that it can be displayed from either front or back with two wood dowels that are stretched across both top and bottom.

San Pedro de Cajas sits high in the Andes Mountains of Peru about 13,000 feet up.  Each tapestry design is washed, dyed, and brushed prior to the start of the weaving process.  The artisans are both male and female, each working hard to ply wool and dye.  In fact, you will find entire families involved with the tapestry making process.  The wool used comes from the area, which allows the dye to work beautifully. 

The region of San Pedro de Cajas received its name from the legend of the patron saint named San Pedro who came to Cesar Yuri Roman in a dream.  In this dream, San Pedro asked Cesar to return to his town to help but Cesar did not take the dream seriously, instead ignoring the request of San Pedro.  However, just a few days later, a massive mudslide destroyed Cesar’s business.  With this, a broke Cesar returned to San Pedro de Cajas, starting a new tapestry weaving business, a skill that had been passed down through his family.

Determined to reconcile the damage he had caused himself, Cesar worked on a particular weaving of the image of a saint.  Unfortunately, the ancient traditions and techniques were crude, making it impossible.  At that time, only geometrical shapes could be woven.  However, still determined to succeed, Cesar developed a new technique, which he called padding.  With this, he could work the tapestry in more detail with realistic designs and figures.  The new system was very, successful, leading other local artisans to adopt it for their own designs.

Because the San Pedro de Cajas tapestries have such incredible colors and intricate designs, they have become exceedingly popular and in high demand.  From that time forward, the tapestries have continued to grow in popularity and today, people from around the world visiting Peru can visit Cesar’s tapestry museum.  His success with color and design was so incredible that the local government honored him with the title of Doctor in Craftsmanship that came along with a beautiful medal.

With the blend of materials and the hand looming, you will fall in love with the San Pedro de Cajas tapestries.  What most people comment on are the clear, vibrant colors and realistic designs.  In fact, these tapestries are generally considered art more so than textile.  If you have a chance to get your hands on one of these tapestries, you will have a lifelong treasure!