PONCHOS

Timoteo Ccarita is a master weaver, natural dyers, and researcher from the district of Pitumarca. He describes himself as “a traditionalist” who promotes Indigenous weavings, maintaining the original techniques in wool preparation, dyeing and weaving of camelid fibers. After decades of research, Timoteo has been able to recover lost techniques and continue a craft that currently supports 132 weavers in a cooperative led by him and his wife Benita Ccana, a very talented weaver. After being abandoned by his father, Timoteo's mother became blind and, out of necessity, taught him the art of weaving. After the death of his mother Timoteo used this art as a means of survival. Today he is an artists and entrepreneur whose work represents the continuation and hope for a 3000 tradition of great significance. Ponchos are one of the most recognizable Andean garments, historically worn by men during ceremonies. Timoteo has mastered the art of unique, asymmetrical ponchos that are true works of wearable art.