Inspired Peru
LOCATED IN peru
Artisan cooperative Inspired Peru recognizes that women are the primary beacons of cultural transmissions. The majority of the artisans are widows and heads of household from indigenous communities in the Peruvian highlands.
Through this dignified work, artisans earn fair wages, can work from home or in a communal workshop, and are empowered to transmit their traditional skills to future generations while expanding their business and leadership skills.
Ethically sourced, local alpaca wool is used to craft products that celebrate their heritage. Artisans practice a time-honored alpaca plush technique, which involves the gluing, dyeing, and brushing of alpaca hair. On average, six to eight artisans collaborate on the production of stuffed animals. It takes about five days to craft each one. To begin, artisans shape molds and carefully sew the body of the stuffed animal. Each animal’s face is separately constructed, giving every piece a very realistic flair. After carefully shaving the alpaca, the hair is washed and sun-dried for one to two days. Depending on the item, the artisans may dye the alpaca hair using vibrant colors. Dyeing involves additional hand-wash cycles to reach the desired color. Molds are separately made using flexible cardboard. Artisans carefully hand-glue the washed alpaca hair to the mold. Once dried, the hair is thoroughly hand-combed to reach its softness. No animal cruelty is involved in the sourcing of the alpaca hair. Alpaca plush has been living in the communities for generations, but it’s been revitalized over the past several years.
from the archives
Alpaca Stuffed Animals
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