The Loraypo Peru Tote

Andean weaving is rich with spiritual symbolism and representations of diverse myths, rituals and depictions of daily life. The communities of weavers tend to use some symbols which are specific to their towns or regions, in the case of the “chumpis” (Quechua word for these type of textiles) all the designs are from Chinchero, Peru which is well known for its history and tradition of weaving.

Many details of the woven fabrics have a meaning, such as the specific symbols woven into the fabrics and their relation to each other, and even the color and spin of the yarn.

The “loraypo” design is one of the oldest and most complicated designs from Chinchero. It represents a medicinal plant used by the Andean people. This design is a fusion of two other designs, q’eswa (a zigzag pattern) and q’uti (an ‘S’ shape).

The design has a diamond, which is exclusive to Chinchero’s textiles,
divided in 4 parts, which represents the 4 “suyos”, or regions of Chinchero. The circles represent the two Chinchero lakes: Huaypo and Piuray, showing the importance of water for life and subsistence. These two circles also represent the Andean duality: male and female.

The “S” shape represents agricultural fields with their ridges.

These textiles have been combined with the finest Italian leather. Our leather is a byproduct from beef cows raised on open pastures in France. The hides are then tanned in Tuscany, Italy by master tanners who have passed down the ancient skill of vegetable-tanning for centuries.

The handles on this bag are stitched by hand using the decorative whip stitch technique. The bag closes with strong magnetic snaps that are plated in gold.

Natural leather will age with time and use to a deep golden caramel color.