You are Weaving Hope in the Andes
I bought my first Qéro textile from the Tribal Store in 2017 while attending a class on Andean spirituality. The colors and symbols of the cloths captivated me. They seemed to tell stories I was longing to understand. Unfolding each cloth felt like discovering secrets of the natural world, of harmony, and of survival. I agonized over every cloth on the merchandise table and still could not decide on which one to invest. So, I met Penelope Eicher at the Tribal Store to chose my textile from her vast inventory of Q’ero weavings. Little did I know that first purchase would not be my last.
Malynda purchasing textiles from the weavers of Quico, 2024.
Now I serve as a director of Heart Walk Foundation, and my favorite part of the work is purchasing textiles from the weavers and selling them in the Tribal Store. I LOVE this project, not only because it invests in women, but because it encourages the continuation of the Q’ero culture by making their craft available to the world.
Carrying the Sacred Threads of Their Lineage
The Tribal Store Project supports EVERY weaver and puts money in their hands. We don’t purchase from only the most advanced weavers; our mission is to serve whole communities. Some weavings might be of poor quality, as some of our weavers suffer from arthritis or even blindness. Yet we purchase their textiles, sometimes at a loss, as our mission is to support their desire to continue their craft and be contributors to the well-being of their families.
When you purchase a Q’ero textile from our tribalstore.org you are not only supporting the weaver of your textile, but also the entire community of weavers. The profits from each sale funds projects for the whole community, such as playground equipment for every school, or wheelbarrows for every family.
When there are individuals who suffer immense needs, such as Julia who suddenly became widowed with 10 children, or Yesica whose house was destroyed by a cooking fire, we are able to support them by purchasing textiles from them. This puts money directly into their hands without imposing a sense of charity.
After Julia tragically lost her husband, we purchased more textiles than typical from her. This alleviated the financial burden while her family grieved. You can purchase these beautiful scarves and support Julia here, and here.
We measure the success of the weaving project by the high production and overall improvement of textile quality over the years. More and more women are teaching their daughters to weave this tradition of their ancestors, passing the threads of their lineage to the next generation and giving them tools for a viable living. I have been told by other organizations that the quality coming from our communities is exceptional, and we attribute that to our consistency in purchasing from them over the last 20 years.
Young Delfina leans over her loom
Watch Delfina, 6 years old, weave with her mother at the Q’ero Cultural Fair.
I return to Q’eros to meet with our weavers this July. I’m looking forward to bringing home their treasured textiles, each one with a story folded neatly into my suitcase. I’m honored to share those stories with you.
Blessings, Munay!
Make a Donation
Make a donation here to help the Q’ero people.
Not a U.S. resident? Donate through our TribalStore.org
I return to Q’eros to meet with our weavers this July. I’m looking forward to bringing home their treasured textiles, each one with a story folded neatly into my suitcase. I’m honored to share those stories with you.