wool art

Moonlight warms the night high in the Andes in this extraordinarily complex wall hanging woven for the World Peace Project.

In this weaver’s symbolic representation of world peace, a musician sends clear and sonorous songs of peace far across the world. The music’s message has summoned a peace dove.

Working on a handloom, master weaver Teofilo Choquecahua conjures this message of peace while working within his traditional craft.

A hem at the top permits insertion of a display rod (not included).

Llameros are what llama muleteers and herders are called in Peru. This beautiful tapestry hand-woven from 100% wool by Peruvian artisan Luis Leon depicts a "llamero" that wants to campaign for world peace at the heart of the Andes surrounded by his faithful companions: the llamas, the beloved, calm and peaceful Andean animals.

Guatemala's jaspe fabrics are varied and beautiful. A type of ikat weaving, the threads are tie-dyed before they are placed on the floor loom. Members of the Women Artisans of Santa Cruz cooperative place 15 jaspe flags in assorted colors and patterns on a decorative garland. "These represent Tibetan prayer flags," the artisans say. "Their colors have meanings of their own — blue is a symbol of water, red is for fire, green for air and yellow for the earth. The cloth is woven by hand with much love. Many Maya hands have touched each textile, and we're proud to use recycled fabric. For us, recycling is another form of promoting peace and prosperity for ourselves and for our Mother Earth. Please remember that your attitude when installing these prayer banners is very important, and we ask that you take a moment to wish for peace for people everywhere so they can receive the benefits of our blessings. We want everyone to be free and at peace."

A multicolor palette of vibrant tones embellishes Peruvian master artist Teofilo Choquecahua's newest tapestry, created for the World Peace Project.

"This tapestry is a message of world peace from my Andean worldview," explains the artisan. "On a daily basis, man has experiences without empathy with his neighbor, because of the lack of honesty between each one of the individuals. It is for this reason that my tapestry is designed to reflect that if we cultivate honesty, we will all be loyal and without any violence. Like the doves that travel the face of the earth in peace, where there is understanding and trust in each other, there is no indifference or guilt for not being fair."

This handloomed tapestry is crafted with an alpaca, cotton, wool and polyester blend. Drawing inspiration from doves, and determined to spread a message of peace and honesty, Teofilo designed an intricate pattern of traditional regional motifs.

Thailand's traditional textiles send you a message of peace in this wall hanging, presented by the Thai Tribal Crafts. A team of master artisans weaves cotton threads to create this sweet piece, decorated with floral details that infuse the design with the region's spring spirit. A bamboo rod completes the accessory for easy display.