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. 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.