gift for an artist

Crafted by hand, this delightful morral combines rich textures with red, white and rich earthen browns. Artisan members of Peru's Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco first knot the yarn before it is woven on a backstrap loom. The motifs derive from Inca art in an effort to keep the traditional patterns and techniques alive as well as their Andean identity. This texture is known as urpi, which means "dove" in the Quechua language.

The community raises and cares for its own alpacas. The fleece is washed, carded and spun by hand using a pushka, or drop spindle. The dyes come from plants, nuts and tree bark. The next step is one of the most important, as the artisan prepares the warp, or vertical threads for the backstrap loom. This determines the size of the textile, the color combinations, and the patterns that will be woven.

The intensity of color can vary depending on the hardness of the water, the altitude and the local dye sources, making each textile a unique piece of handcrafted art

Inspired by the archaeological treasure that is the Sacred Valley of the Inca, the artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco create this beautiful shoulder bag. They use a traditional loom to weave the bag from a alpaca and sheep's wool blend yarns. Inca-inspired motifs decorate the bag as well as the shoulder straps. The fully lined bag features an interior zipper pocket.

Handcrafted from suede in a solid golden brown hue, this handbag is designed by Kathiana Quispe in Peru. An accent panel of wool features colorful geometric patterns. This bag can be held like a clutch, wristlet style or slung over the shoulder via a removable, adjustable strap. The bag opens with a zipper to reveal a lined interior, while a zipper pocket on the back offers space for storing small items.

Take this handy and stylish accessory everywhere you go. Leather artisan Patsy Chang crafts this sturdy sling bag from soft brown leather, with a long adjustable strap, a zipper closure, and a cotton lining. As a final detail,she adds a colorful woven textile panel at the front as an homage to her Andean heritage.

Mexican artisan Marco Bautista finds a true passion in the act of weaving, a process that brings him closer to nature, reminding him of the relationship he shares with the animals and landscapes of his country. He creates this clutch handbag with a handwoven Zapotec design from 100% wool. He decorates the piece with geometric motifs in antique white, black, and Caribbean blue against a body of sunrise orange. The handbag opens with a zipper to reveal a polyester lining in black with an open side pocket.

This chic sling bag offers versatility with its removable and adjustable strap, seamlessly transforming into a handle bag. Designed by Peruvian artisan Kathiana Quispe, it is meticulously fashioned from black and brown leather with petite embossed accents and a vibrant handwoven wool fabric inset adorned with traditional Inca motifs, adding a touch of cultural richness. Featuring a secure zippered closure, a fully lined interior and two convenient zippered pockets, this bag combines sophistication with practicality.