handmade purse

With traditional motifs that echo the shapes of the Andes mountains, this 100% alpaca shoulder bag is a standout. The artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco craft it entirely from scratch--raising the alpacas and llamas to obtain the fleece; shearing, dyeing and spinning the wool; and weaving the textile on a traditional waist loom. The fully-lined bag closes with a zipper and features an interior zipper pocket.

Made entirely by hand, this beautiful contemporary bag showcases the ancestral weaving traditions preserved by the women artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. The compact purse exemplifies the incredible time and dedication it takes to produce a handmade work of art. In the highlands they call home, before they can begin to weave the fabric for the bag, the women must first raise and shear the alpacas and llamas to obtain the wool, then dye and spin the fleece before it is ready to be woven into fabric on a traditional backstrap loom. From start to finish, the time taken to produce each bag spans the seasons. The fully-lined bag closes with a zipper and features an interior zipper pocket.

Designed by Milagros Campos, this black alpaca clutch features a colorful bouquet, lavishly embroidered by hand. The black rectangular purse is crafted of handwoven fabric, created in a traditional treadle loom. Fully lined, it is trimmed with a tassel and pompom on the zipper pull.

Against a background of solid smoke, colorful floral motifs are hand-embroidered onto the front of this 100% alpaca clutch from Peru. Milagros Campos designs this clutch, which features a zipper closure that is accented with a handmade alpaca tassel. It opens with a zipper to reveal a lined interior in black.

Peruvian artisan Kathiana Quispe designs another lovely creation inspired by the ancient Andean traditions. This time, she works with suede in a refined chocolate tone to craft a convenient leather-accented sling with three zippered compartments and an adjustable strap. The accessory also comes with an alpaca blend textile at the front, symbolizing the artisan's rich culture.

Designed by Milagros Campos, this black alpaca clutch features a colorful bouquet, lavishly embroidered by hand. The black rectangular purse is crafted of handwoven fabric, created in a traditional treadle loom. Fully lined, it is trimmed with a tassel and pompom on the zipper pull.