Ayacucho Tapestry of Peru
Like all Peruvian tapestry, Ayacucho is named after the region in which it is made. This tapestry was originally created in Santa Ana, which is a smaller town just outside Ayacucho. Interestingly, Ayacucho tapestry comes in three distinct grades. First, you have the street quality, which is made from virgin wool and natural dyes. Second, there is the special quality Ayacucho tapestry, made from pre-washed wool and aniline dyes. Third, you have signed, which is woven and sighed by the master makers.
Typically, Ayacucho tapestry from Peru is created in geometric designs of nature, often taken from Codices such as ancient Aztecs, Mayans, or Incas, as well as temple carvings. In the town of Ayacucho, alpacas and sheep are raised specifically so the wool can be used to make this type of tapestry. Most often, the imagery seen in the tapestry has influence of the Incas along with Nazca people from earlier times.
You will also find tapestries depicting things such as flowers, birds, butterflies, and many other Andean cultural aspects. All of the sheep wool is handspun, and then naturally dyed with native vegetable, mineral, and animal dye. Unfortunately, with the growing gang violence and lack of proper food, women will work 15, 16, and 17 hours a day to create Ayacucho tapestries. Although the work is hard, they are courageous, creating true masterpieces.
Another common theme scene in Ayacucho tapestries is ancestral things and mythological creatures. Many times, you will find tapestries such as this made from a blend of 70% alpaca and 30% wool, which means durability, strength, and a beautiful piece to last for years. As you can imagine, this type of weaving over long hours provides the women and men with significant income. However, with violence looming, we see many people being forced from the weaving industry.
Regardless, for the Ayacucho tapestries that survive, they are amazingly beautiful and well made. With such vibrant colors and designs, the Ayacucho tapestry is in wide demand. The skill learned from ancestors continues being used today, creating some of the most amazing tapestries in all of South America.