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In Inca mythology, human ancestors and camelids emerge together of the sacred cave of Pacariqtambo. This common origin founds a textile spirituality that transcends simple economic production. The alpaca is not a domestic animal: it is a living huaca, a sacred being intermediary between the worlds.
Photo @elegantdesign for Anonymous Apparel
Cosmological Trilogy
The Incas organized the universe into three worlds connected by camelids :
– Hanan Pacha (celestial world): domain of the condor.
– Kay Pacha (earthly world): kingdom of the puma.
– Ukhu Pasha (underworld): territory of the serpent Amaru.
Alpacas navigate between these dimensions, carrying prayers and offerings to the deities.
Photos UNSPLASH
Alpaca fiber textiles were worth more than gold in the Inca Empire. Sacred classification: Chusi (coarse cloth), Awasca (common use), Qompi/Cumbi (reserved for royalty and rituals). This textile hierarchy reflected the Andean social and spiritual order.
Photo @elegantdesign for Anonymous Apparel
CONTEMPORARY RITUALS
The ritual "uywa ch'uwa" famous Pakucha, the alpaca spirit residing in the Andes. The Aymara communities of Puno perpetuate these fertility ceremonies. Offerings of coca, chicha, and fine textiles to Pachamama before each shearing.
Maria Merma Gonzalo de Pacchanta explains: "Because of Ausangate, we all exist. Thanks to Ausangate, there are many animals and food. We make offerings to him, and he gives us everything in return." This spiritual reciprocity still structures traditional livestock farming today.
Photo @elegantdesign for Anonymous Apparel
Textile symbolism
THE tocapus incas – coded geometric patterns – adorn ceremonial fabrics. Each design conveys genealogies, calendars, and ritual messages. This textile writing survives in the contemporary communities of Chinchero and Pisaq.
Natural Sacred Colors : Cochineal red (life/fertility), indigo (cosmos), retama yellow (sun). 22 natural alpaca colors correspond to the shades of the Andean spectrum. This color palette reflects the Andean cosmovision of seasonal cycles.
OUR REFERENCES
Alpaca Stories Part 1: Alpaca – More Prized than Gold by the Incas, Still Scorned by the West?
Sacred Animals in Inca Culture: Guardians of the Spiritual World
Finding Incan Culture in Modern Day Peru
Inca Patterns Meaning: Unraveling The Symbolism Of Peruvian Textiles
Inca Textiles
Inca Art: Textiles and Metalworking
Pakucha: Andean cosmovision and Aymara rituals
In a Small Village High in the Peruvian Andes, Life Stories Are Written in TextilesFibre Characteristics of Huacaya Alpaca in Peru
Cradle-to-grave environmental analysis of an alpaca fiber sweater produced in Peru
