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We are honoured to work with the indigenous Q’ero people of Peru to offer these powerful and meaningful textile weavings in the form of shoulder and mesa bags. The Q’ero, descendants of the ancient Inca civilisation, are skilled medicine people, known as Paqos, who continue to handcraft storytelling textiles, including these beautiful and functional bags.
Each bag is woven from sheep or alpaca wool and dyed naturally, ensuring vibrant colours that do not bleed. The intricate patterns and symbols reflect Q’ero traditions, telling stories of their land, family heritage, and spiritual beliefs. Rooted in the principle of Ayni,
reciprocity, balance, and harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth), each
bag carries an energy of respect and interconnectedness.
Mesa and shoulder bags are designed to carry sacred items such as khuyas (healing stones), ceremonial tools, or personal objects for rituals and healing work. In shamanic practice, they provide a practical yet sacred way to transport the contents of a mesa (spiritual bundle), ensuring both protection and energetic integrity. They can also be used in daily life, blending functionality with deep cultural significance.
Sacred textiles are often used in combination for full ceremonial work. A mesa cloth forms the outer layer, representing the visible, external world, while the Unkuna (inner cloth) cradles the inner spiritual realm. The Inti Watana tie secures these worlds together, and a large manta cloth acts as the altar or sacred foundation. Mesa or shoulder bags then serve
as vessels for carrying the sacred tools and objects to and from ceremony, completing the ritual setup.
What is the difference between a mesa bag and a shoulder bag?
A mesa bag is specifically intended for carrying a shaman’s sacred bundle, while a shoulder bag may be used for the same purpose or for daily personal use, often featuring the same sacred patterns and
symbolism.
Common items include khuyas, ceremonial rattles, feathers, despacho offerings, and other ritual tools. Many practitioners also carry personal talismans for protection and guidance.
Each bag is lovingly made by Q’ero artisans, supporting small local communities in the high Andes and keeping ancient traditions alive. When you carry one, you are not only safeguarding your sacred tools but also
contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and spiritual wisdom.
Links:
Mestana Mesa Cloths | Unkuna Inner Cloths | Altar Manta Mats, Cloths | Inti Watana Wrap, Mesa Ties
Each bag is woven from sheep or alpaca wool and dyed naturally, ensuring vibrant colours that do not bleed. The intricate patterns and symbols reflect Q’ero traditions, telling stories of their land, family heritage, and spiritual beliefs. Rooted in the principle of Ayni,
reciprocity, balance, and harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth), each
bag carries an energy of respect and interconnectedness.
Mesa and shoulder bags are designed to carry sacred items such as khuyas (healing stones), ceremonial tools, or personal objects for rituals and healing work. In shamanic practice, they provide a practical yet sacred way to transport the contents of a mesa (spiritual bundle), ensuring both protection and energetic integrity. They can also be used in daily life, blending functionality with deep cultural significance.
Sacred textiles are often used in combination for full ceremonial work. A mesa cloth forms the outer layer, representing the visible, external world, while the Unkuna (inner cloth) cradles the inner spiritual realm. The Inti Watana tie secures these worlds together, and a large manta cloth acts as the altar or sacred foundation. Mesa or shoulder bags then serve
as vessels for carrying the sacred tools and objects to and from ceremony, completing the ritual setup.
What is the difference between a mesa bag and a shoulder bag?
A mesa bag is specifically intended for carrying a shaman’s sacred bundle, while a shoulder bag may be used for the same purpose or for daily personal use, often featuring the same sacred patterns and
symbolism.
Common items include khuyas, ceremonial rattles, feathers, despacho offerings, and other ritual tools. Many practitioners also carry personal talismans for protection and guidance.
Each bag is lovingly made by Q’ero artisans, supporting small local communities in the high Andes and keeping ancient traditions alive. When you carry one, you are not only safeguarding your sacred tools but also
contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and spiritual wisdom.
Links:
Mestana Mesa Cloths | Unkuna Inner Cloths | Altar Manta Mats, Cloths | Inti Watana Wrap, Mesa Ties
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