Craftsmanship & Heritage
These vibrant purses and medicine pouches are woven by Q’ero shamans and Chinchero artisans using the finest alpaca and llama yarns. Each fibre is naturally dyed with plant-based and mineral pigments, then hand-spun, ensuring long-lasting, rich colours. The intricate geometric and symbolic patterns tell stories of lineage, honour the forces of nature, and embody blessings for the owner.
The Q’ero, descendants of the ancient Incas, continue to practise their sacred weaving traditions as part of their spiritual life. Their medicine people, or Paqos, weave with the intention of Ayni, reciprocity, balance, and harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth), infusing every piece with spiritual energy.
Uses & Symbolism
Traditionally, medicine pouches are used to store prayer bundles, sacred stones, herbs, and offerings for despacho ceremonies. They can also carry coins, amulets, talismans, or keepsakes. Many practitioners integrate them into their travelling mesa, where they protect smaller sacred objects within a larger altar bundle.
Relationship to Other Spiritual Tools
These pouches form part of a complete ceremonial setup. A Chuspa or Khuya pouch holds kintus and healing stones, an Unkuna (inner cloth) wraps the inner spiritual world, an Inti Watana tie binds it, and a Mestana (outer mesa cloth) represents the visible world. A large manta cloth acts as the altar or sacred base, while ponchos and wraps offer protection during ceremonies.
Cultural & Community Impact
Every purchase directly supports Andean villages, helping to keep the ancient textile arts alive, protect indigenous culture, and provide economic stability in remote highland communities.
Links:
Mestana Mesa Cloths | Unkuna Inner Cloths | Altar Manta Mats, Cloths | Inti Watana Wrap, Mesa Ties | Mesa & Shoulder Bags | Qero Chuspas & Khuya
