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Franco Negri

"I was born in Lima on April 1, 1972. My mission was born from seeking that which is natural and ecological, and so I began to unite with different communities of Cuzco. Some are from the Nevado Ausangate zone, others from the Mapacho river basin on the border of the Manu National Park, and others from the Sacred Valley of the Inca. We joined forces in 2003.

"This association was created with the goal of promoting ecology and taking care of our communities' natural resources through the production of traditional textiles, organic foods and natural medicines. We want a sustainable development for ourselves, our children and future generations.

"All the weavers have worked in the traditional manner since childhood, as it was our parents and grandparents who taught us this art as a way of creating clothing. First we learned to spin and twist the yarn with a pushca. Then the men would create articles such as ropes to harness livestock, sacks for potatoes and other products, including chullo hats. The rest of the weaving and knitting is done by women and includes llicllas (blankets) and other modern designs.

"Twenty-five communities work together in the Ecological House project, and we come from three basic zones. The slopes of the Nevado Ausangate communities are the Uppis, Pacchanta, Marampaqui, Mallma, Tinki, Huacatincu, Quico and Hapu ethnicities, the last two part of the Q'ero nation. The Parobamba, Chimor, Bombon, Chayllabamba, Pitukiska, Inkacancha, Sahuay, Solan and Otocani communities are located in the Mapacho River area. And the Sacred Valley communities include the Amaru, Chahuaytire (Pisaq) and others from Lamay, such as Sayhua, Huayllafara, Lamay Qosco and Hanaq Chiquibamba.

"The truth is that coordinating and fusing the art of all these different communities is a beautiful job. We are continually learning something new, as each group has their own knowledge and stories. Something curious and interesting are the reunions we frequently hold among the communities from different ecological zones at which everyone shares their abilities through trueque, or exchange. Those from the highlands bring alpaca wool, potatoes and medicinal plants. Those from the rainforest bring plants for dying, coffee and native fruits, which they barter along with their knowledge, ideas and projects. We form a wonderful team that grows more and more united and even more diverse.

"Traditional textile work is an ancestral art and it was becoming lost. Today our textiles have a special value, not just for the work involved but also because we are preserving the identity of our communities. Weaving is a part of our traditional work and a legacy from our grandparents. The income we generate for these families and the opportunity to work from home, where women can remain close to their families, children, kitchen and animals, are what motivate us to continue our art. We also find motivation in knowing that we are recovering the art and identity of our people and ancestors.

"Through pallay, or iconographic design, we transmit the history, culture and identity of our people and, through natural colors, we project our resources, nature and the biodiversity that is a part of our daily surroundings. All these representations enclose the essence of the products that serve to decorate homes and be used by our clients and friends.

"This marvelous art is something very valuable for the association because it is our ancient language through which we differentiate ourselves and communicate with other Andean peoples. Each group uses different clothing and unique traditional garments used in fiestas and special ceremonies.

"Our work is on permanent exhibit in the Casa Ecológica Cusco and in other Cuzco venues.

"Our greatest challenge has been to take care of our resources, especially the plants used for dyes, because the 'boom' in natural textiles is wiping them out. Today we are propagating them in greenhouses and working to preserve our native forests to be able to utilize them through sustainable development.

"I'd like to tell all our Novica friends that we offer you art, identity and the history of our ancestral peoples in our weavings. When you purchase them, you are contributing to our communities' sustainable development, as we are carrying out traditional 'low impact' activities and preserving our culture and natural resources. We invite you to visit Peru and experience life in our communities and natural surroundings."