special scarf

This scarf displays various shades of grey, red and and black in a classic design by Peru's Felipe Berckholtz. The scarf is woven with the wool from the season's first shear, termed baby alpaca and much sought after for its soft, lightweight warmth. The ancient Inca discovered the attributes of this fiber, reserving it for the exclusive use of the aristocracy.

This scarf displays various shades of blue and black in a classic design by Peru's Felipe Berckholtz. The scarf is woven with the wool from the season's first shear, termed baby alpaca and much sought after for its soft, lightweight warmth. The ancient Inca discovered the attributes of this fiber, reserving it for the exclusive use of the aristocracy.

Subtly elegant, this toasty scarf is from Peru's Raquel and Gregor. Artisans weave the scarf on traditional looms in blue, grey and black in a mesmerizing basketweave pattern. Long fringe accents both ends.

This lightweight cotton scarf in black offers the perfect balance of elegance and charm with its beautifully woven rhombus patterns and lively fringe detail. Created by Miriam and Debora in Guatemala, its rich textures add visual interest to any outfit, making it a standout piece for everyday wear or special occasions.

Vibrant colors and a unique wing pattern make this species a fascinating one. The scarlet tiger moth is common in damp areas or rocky landscapes, looking for nectar and a secure home. Its captivating appearance inspires artisan Pedro Apop from Guatemala to handcraft a ceramic sculpture honoring this magical creature native to Europe.

Golden highlights add a regal touch to this superlative textile by the Gobah-Tengey family. Created in rich kente cloth strips, its name means "Conference in Angola." Takpekpe was designed in 1950 by the late Atsu Gobah Tengey-Seddoh to commemorate a special meeting called by the colonial governor to discuss an additional tax or levy being imposed on the subjects. The conference raised voices against the payment of the special levy.

Expert weavers, the Gobah Tengey-Seddoh Family creates this outstanding shawl in 100% cotton. Each strip requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Strips are generally three to four inches wide and seven to ten feet long, and the length of time it takes to complete one strip varies by the complexity of the chosen pattern. The simplest use mostly vertical, or warp patterns, and an experienced weaver can make several of those in one day. But patterns with nearly all weft (horizontal thread) patterns where the warp design is hardly visible can take up to four days to complete an individual strip. Each color has its own meanings in Asante culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging, and spirituality, while white is purity. The patterns themselves are carefully chosen symbols, which a master weaver develops and names, often to honor people, historical events, or proverbs.

Hand wash in cool water and use a warm iron.

Light up the eyes of horse lovers with this equine-themed ornament from Guatemalan artisan Mirian Zet. Inspired by a majestic horse galloping across a field, Mirian arranges brown and black beads to capture the detail of a real horse, creating the contours and depth with a filling made of recycled plastic bags. Living in a small community with scarce employment, Mirian has dedicated her life to crafting beaded jewelry to sustain herself and inspire her peers to forge ahead with their creativity.