
Peruvian Craft & Alpaca
The Andean culture has a rich artistic textile tradition. Ancient artisans expressed their connection with nature and the universe through the colours and designs they used in their cloth. Artisans today preserve these ancestral traditions while creating modern crafts. Brown Llama's mission is to support Peruvian artisans by promoting their products in socially responsible international markets.
Alpacas live in herds that graze at a high altitude on the plateaus of the Andes Mountains. The harsh climatic conditions in which they live (with abrupt temperature changes, strong winds, high solar radiation, and low concentration of oxygen) have made them develop a resistant and high quality coat.
Alpaca wool is a light, soft, warm and resistant fiber. It belongs to noble fibers such as mohair, cashmere or angora. Most people who are sensitive to wool are able to comfortabley wear Alpaca because it is smooth. Also, Alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic.
In the Andean worldview, everything is related. The body is connected to the spirit; to be immortal and divine is conneceted to being an everyday person. The andean craftsman expresses the union of human beings with nature and the cosmos by using visual icons and the natural colours in his or her work.
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Sarah & Felix
Store Owners
Felix is a Peruvian living in Canada. He loves the history and culture of his native country. Sarah is a Canadian who loves crafting and a has a great admiration for the handicrafts in Peru. Brown Llama was created with the vision to support Peruvian artisans in creating an international market for their products while receiving fair trade income for their talent. We honour crafts and alpaca products made using ancient crafting techniques that showcase the splendid colour and culture of the Peruvian Andes.