The Traditional Textile Centre Cusco is a non-profit association located on Avenida Del Sol that was set up in 1996 to preserve and protect the weaving traditions that were fast disappearing in this part of the Andes. The centre works with nine indigenous Quechua communities near Cusco (including the Chawaytire community) helping them preserve their ancestral weaving techniques, attain a better standard of living and value their culture and heritage.
The centre itself boasts an interesting on-site museum with detailed information and displays about textiles. The current exhibit entitled ‘Weaving Lives’ presents the different functions of textiles in the different stages of life of the local people in this region and provides a nice insight into the local textile culture.
Additionally the centre hosts weavers from the various communities so that visitors can watch textiles being created and ask weavers any questions about the process without having to leave Cusco. A broad range of extremely high quality textiles are for sale in the centre including bags, scarves, ponchos, throws, tablecloths and decorations and if you have half an hour to spare it is definitely worth a visit.
