Peruvian Artisans

Pisac, Peru Jewelry

These artisans live in the Urubamba Valley, in the village of Pisac, Peru. This group started “The Undie Fund” as a way to provide Peruvian children with underwear, shoes, socks, and other clothing essentials. This group also provides school supplies for children as well as blankets and sweaters for the elderly in the community.

Rural women are the worst affected by the extreme poverty in Peru. The majority of rural women are poor, and nearly 70 percent of them are extremely poor. Making these beautiful products is allowing women in Peru to make an income and support their families. 

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High in the hills of Peru, there once was a little boy named Alberto. He had no toys like a normal little boy does. Instead of buying toys, Alberto's mommy started to make toys by knitting. She made all kinds of wonderful stories with the puppets that she created out of alpaca wool! Alberto's favorite was the Nativity story. He loved seeing the little angel puppets worship the baby Jesus. Even though he did not have a lot of new toys - his hand-made toys were his favorite! After a while, Alberto's mommy started selling the finger puppets. With the money that she made, she was able to buy food for Alberto and his brothers. Alberto was always thankful to whoever bought the toys, because he knew they would have fun with his puppets and that he would now have enough food to eat!

Angel Puppets

Manos Amigas

These bright knit veggies are handcrafted out of alpaca wool by women artisans and mothers in the Peruvian highlands community of Chucuit.
These moms make whimsical toys for their kids and from there; puppet knitting has become a natural part of life. Knitting empowers these women, within their household and community. It provides extra income while watching over their kids and caring for their llamas or alpacas.
Amazingly, even in their tough environment, the cheerful spirit of these strong women shines through in the quality, detail and creativity they put into each of their puppets. These puppets make great gifts for younger children!