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Size 71 cm x 72 cm
These mestanas, or mesa cloths, are not just textiles – they are living expressions of the soul and wisdom of the Indigenous people who dwell near the sacred mountain Ausangate in the Andes. Each thread is woven with deep reverence for nature and a love that connects them to the powerful energy of the mountain.
These cloths, crafted with care and spiritual intention, carry a magical energy that reflects the spirit of Ausangate. From the soft wool of alpacas to the natural dyes drawn from the earth, plants, and minerals, every step in their creation is a ceremony in itself. Over months of dedicated work, not only are the threads interwoven, but also prayers, blessings, and intentions that link the cloth to the person who will carry it.
Each mestana is unique and infused with the spirit of the mountain, a symbol of the cosmic order and wisdom of the Andes. These cloths carry the energy of Ausangate and serve as a bridge between humanity and the universe, between the physical and the spiritual. They are used as altars by shamans and healers, holding sacred items and representing a channel for healing and transformation.
To hold such a cloth is to feel the presence of Ausangate, to sense the mountain's primal power and its eternal connection to life itself. It is to carry a piece of the Andes' heart, a promise of strength, balance, and harmony.
Area of origin – Chinchero
Chinchero is located in the Sacred Valley near Cusco and is known for its strong weaving traditions. The area has long been a center for textile crafts where knowledge of weaving, dyeing and patterns is passed down between generations.
Many Chinchero textiles are characterized by their bright colors, rainbow-like color combinations, and the detailed patterns woven into the fabric. Another characteristic is the decorative edging, often called nawi awapa or "eyelet", that runs along the outer edge of the fabric.
In Andean tradition, the eye is associated with attention, vitality and creativity. The motif appears in various forms in traditional textile art and is one of the patterns that many associate with Chinchero weavers.
Each fabric is unique, but the richness of color, the woven motifs and the characteristic border are details that often recur in textiles from the area.
These mesa fabrics are hand-woven in the Andes using techniques passed down through generations. Many of the fabrics are made from alpaca wool and dyed with natural dyes from plants, minerals and other local raw materials.
Weaving is an important part of life in many Andean communities and is often carried out by women who carry on knowledge, patterns and craft traditions within the family and local community.
Because each fabric is made by hand, no two pieces are exactly alike. Variations in color, pattern, and detail are a natural part of the craft and make each mesa fabric unique.
When you buy a mesa fabric, you help support traditional craftsmanship and the communities where it still lives on. In line with the principle of Ayni – reciprocity – we strive for trade to create value both for the user of the product and for the people and places behind it. We work for long-term relationships and to give back to the contexts that make this craftsmanship possible.
