Andean people live in harmony with nature and many of the imagery in their designs reflect nature. Popular “edging” patterns include inti (sun), mayu (river) and straight and curving paths through the mountains. Series of flowers, stars and eyes are also common. Some designs a foreigner or outsider can clearly discern, but in other cases, they merely appear to be attractive geometric arrangements. More often than not the weaver will say a Quechua name that cannot be translated to Spanish easily, and then explain that it is an ancient design from their grandparents times.

“Traditional textile patterns honor Pachamama, Mother Earth, and express thankfulness for growth, regeneration and the idea of being related the natural world.”

Other popular designs are those that reflect the daily life of the women in the mountains – llamas, dogs, ducks, and condors – plus significant historical events and characters in Andean folklore.

If one visits an indigenous community, or has the chance to talk at length with weavers selling their work in Cusco, one soon discovers that the meanings conveyed in the patterns and symbols of Andean weaving very much depend on the personality and experience of the weaver. This may seem obvious, as it must surely be the case with any art form. But here, there is such a strong undercurrent of shared iconography, that it can be very interesting to discuss meaning with a weaver. Two symbols, made exactly alike, can have totally different meanings to different makers. If the weaver has a sense of humour, you may find some funny stories connected to her choice of pattern. If she is reverent of history, there may be some classic tales of historic figures and noble deeds contained in the thread. One conversation we had with a weaver centered around her choosing to depict a boat in her work. Given the remote mountain location of her home, we wondered where it came from. She explained that she had been inspired by her children, who were playing with a toy boat in the little stream in front of the house.

So often the pictures can only be deciphered in conversation with the maker. And that is an experience which is waiting for you in the mountains of Peru. For this discussion, we will simply present examples of some of the different symbols and patterns that you are likely to find in traditional Andean weaving, and give the most common explanations for what they are.

You'll have to visit the weavers for their individual stories.