The Andean Science of Weaving

The warp-faced weaves of the Andes are the most complex in the world, with up to eight warp levels. This book focuses on alternative classification system via tables, photographs and diagrams. It is also a celebration of one of the most gorgeous and sophisticated weaving traditions in the world.

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The warp-faced weaves of the Andes are the most complex in the world, with up to eight warp levels. Existing studies of Andean textiles use a technical language derived from other textile traditions (mainly tapestry from Europe and the Near East), but this book takes as its starting-point the technical terms in the Aymara and Quechua languages used by Andean weavers themselves. The result is a completely new way of understanding one of the great craft traditions of the world. Within its field, the authors’ work is truly groundbreaking. This is a highly technical book that sets out the authors’ alternative classification system via tables, photographs and diagrams. It is also a celebration of one of the most gorgeous and sophisticated weaving traditions in the world.