dark tapestry

"The muse for this composition is my daughter Pilar, who was two years-old at the time," confides Leoncio Tinoco with obvious pride. "Time has passed by, and that's why I chose to return to that tender time, always in my mind. Every time we'd say 'Give me five!' she would lift her little soft hands, offering her little palms."

Tinoco weaves this admirable composition on a traditional loom, in the unique style of San Pedro de las Cajas. He obtains some of the colors from natural dyes, so it is recommended to keep out of direct sunlight.

Steam rises from the simmering pot of ufui beih (meaning yams, cassava, and green plantain) filling the air with the tantalizing aroma of cooking food. She bends over the stove, adding mysterious spices and stirring the ingredients slowly. K. Baka is inspired by his rich Ghanaian culture and recreates the preparation of this traditional meal with batik on 100% cotton cloth. This charming wall hanging evokes the warmth and familiarity of the family kitchen.

A hardworking mom spins yarn on a spindle while carrying her baby in a rebozo on her back. Glowing in the night sky, the crescent moon reveals the late hour. David Laura Zanabria portrays the woman in a handwoven wool tapestry. Raised high-relief borders add definition and texture.

People in boats gaze at the sunset sky as they sail along the Peruvian coast. Seagulls soar overhead, beautifully depicted in a tapestry. David Laura Zanabria creates a superb example of Ayacucho artistry. A display rod can be slipped through a hem at the top.

Titled "Costa peruana" in Spanish.

Birds sing together as they flock to the spreading branches of a tree. "This is the Tree of Happiness," says master weaver Cerapio Vallejo. "It signifies the reign of peace and love in your home." A dark brown border frames this stunning tapestry, hand-woven of virgin wool.

Titled "Arbol de la Felicidad" in Spanish.

Colorful as spring flowers, these hummingbirds follow a harmonious path in this Andean tapestry by Zosimo Laura of Peru. Showing the best of the region's textile artistry, Zosimo combines wool and cotton yarns in this handloomed artwork, whose vibrant hues rest on a dapper dark brown base color.

The piece is titled Ruta de Colibries in Spanish.

This stunning backpack is from Kathiana Quispe in Peru, who follows in her father's footsteps in the art of tooled leather. The bag is hand crafted with a combination of dark brown hand-tooled leather and soft scarlet suede. A medallion at the center showcases a piece of hand woven Andean wool tapestry. The shoulder straps feature a center zipper, so that the bag can also be slung over one shoulder if desired. The fully-lined interior features a zipper pocket for small items; the bag is secured by a magnetic snap.