Q'ero Shaman Textile Mestana (M90-Q) - Sacred Andean Textile

What is the Design and appearance of the each particular cloth?

Each cloth possesses its unique charm and character, handwoven by different families within the Q'eros community—a village nestled high in the Andes among the 'sacred mountains,' with Ausangate being a central sacred mountain to the Q'ero. The Q'ero people, often referred to as the "rainbow children," are descendants of priests and shamans, representing a longstanding lineage of healers and medicine men and women.

Newly Woven or Used in ritual by the family?

Note: Aged & Authentic Textiles

These textiles are not acquired from companies but from individuals, crafted with specific intentions as sacred cloths for altars. Handmade through natural processes of hand spinning, dyeing, and hand weaving, they may be new or bear the marks of ceremonial use by Q'ero families, a practice passed down through generations.

How to clean a cloth?

Cleaning requires care for wool-rich cloths, with subtle marks treated through gentle hand washing with natural soap. Wax can be removed with paper and mild heat using an iron. Wear marks contribute to the cloth's character, and dye marks are considered part of its uniqueness. While most cloths are pristine, any significant marks or use will be transparently highlighted in the item description. For those seeking fresh-from-the-loom options, the 'Chinchero Shaman’ selection is recommended.

Cloths can be steam pressed with warm steam only.

Where do mestana's come from?

These mesa cloths are procured from the Pagos Qero medicine people situated high in the Andes of Peru. Handwoven with naturally dyed sheep wool by the Q'ero community, these cloths carry profound symbology, meaning, and intent. They serve various purposes, from cradling newborns during their entry into the world to becoming powerful altars that hold an individual's essence and gifts during their transformative journey around the medicine wheel. As representations of personal transformation, power objects are placed within the cloth, often accompanied by an inner cloth known as either a wachala or Unkuna, the local names varying by region.

What is the meaning to a cloth?

Each family and region infuse unique meaning into the creation of these cloths. Made in two halves, representing duality, the balance between masculine and feminine, left and right, the coming together of energies, and more.

The colors and overall composition are individual to the Qero, with symbols and layouts varying from family to family. For instance, the black, symbolizing "pa and cha" or Pachamama, may be wider in some cloths, providing grounding, while others might have narrower black areas with abundant Inti (sun) symbols, creating a busy yet powerful cloth. Some may seek the calming influence of "the waters" to balance their inner fires, while others aim to ignite more fire. Each cloth and its call to you hold unique symbology, creating a personal and meaningful connection.