Culture

The Andes Mountains reach out of the earth to vast heights covering a huge part of South America. Jungles climb and give way to cloud forests, which open to meadows, high elevation forests and glacial peaks. A region rich in culture and natural beauty, the Andes are home to diverse indigenous communities. The Incan empire lies at the center of the mountains a large land area stretching from the ancient Bolivian city of Tiwanaku on the shores of Lake Titicaca, to Cusco, Machu Pichu and beyond. They eventually spread their empire north into Ecuador and South into Chile and Argentina. At the height of their culture they were masters of agriculture, astronomy, weaving, mysticism and many other arts of living. The Inca flourished for a long time before falling into disputes with themselves over territories and eventually civil war, breaking down their defenses. Immediately following this the Spanish landed on the coasts and with a huge invasion conquered the Inca Nation. Since that time life has been evolving into its present day form.

Community

The people who remain, the Quechua and Ayamara Indians, are of direct Incan and pre-Incan decent. They are carrying on many of the ancient ways, while adapting to the modern world. We work in the central Andean highlands region from northern Bolivia to southern Peru. They produce some of the finest weaving in the world. Alpaca fleece is one of the softest, most durable fibers there is. Alpaca are gentle animals and their fleece is superior to wool in strength and warmth and is hypoallergenic. Alpaca comes in 22 amazing natural shades of color, which are sometimes augmented with natural dyes from native plants. Our partners have been making these products for generations, the men do most of the weaving and then the women add macramé and finish the piece. Every aspect of our work aligns with Fair Trade 'Principles and Practices'. Our goal is to use natural renewable products from the region that are marketable in the developed world. This brings economic resources to the people, providing opportunities for conscious improvements in their quality of life.

The Families:

Wrap yourself in this unique cultural heritage while helping it thrive. Learn more about these artisans:

Calizaya – Choque family:
An indigenous family I met in La Paz through a shopkeeper. They left roots in rural Chayllapata, and moved to the city at an early age to seek work. Musicians, farmers and artisans, they live on the edge of the city, weaving beautiful items made of Alpaca. They maintain strong connections with their home community where people dry farm quinoa, raise animals, and also work with textiles. In 2005, after three successful years of working with us, they gathered resources and began construction of a two-story building on the edge of Chayllapata. Built on family land with a well and fruit trees, it is a crucial step in bringing our projects home to this community. Now in the completion phase, we are beginning to relocate our production and bring prosperity home to this community.
Espiritus del Ande

In the Incan Heartland of Cusco there is a family enterprise known as 'Espiritus del Ande'. Committed to maintaining true Andean Culture, they teach music and art classes to children, and offer several Fair Trade products including musical instruments, CDs, incense and marionettes. We are honored to work with this group as their main distributor in the USA.

Projects

We are now working on water heating, pumping, storage, irrigation and purification systems that are customized to the level of need, as well as alternative energy sources and local food systems. Check out our upcoming Projects.