Basting the history, memories and knowledge of the artisans of the qallwa loom from Cajamarca, Peru

Abstract

This article analyzes the memories and knowledge of women craftswomen from the provinces of the Cajamarca region in Peru, especially San Miguel, Chota
(Tacabamba) and Cutervo, in the design and execution of the waist or qallwa weave. Exhaustive field and archival work was carried out to understand how this intangible cultural heritage is in constant motion throughout history. For a broader understanding of this enmeshed complex, an interdisciplinary dialogue is carried out through a tour the historical context of waist loom textiles in Cajamarca, pointing out changes and continuities in this know-how. All this to show how the qallwa loom constitutes one or the expressions of resilience on the part of these women’s collectives.