Indigenous Craftmanship Empowering Peruvian Women

Peru is another region of the world where A Global Friendship has partnered with artisans to produce our collections. Indigenous communities in Peru often practice weaving – especially in the mountains. It is a long-standing tradition that is aesthetically beautiful, as well as historically complex.  AGF works with our artisans in Peru to expand the markets they can reach. AGF is adding new accounts just about every week, often quite a few at a time. We hope that by displaying the works of these communities, we can help others begin their journeys to understanding the artistic technique and meaning of such designs.

In Peru, weavers are traditionally women.

At A Global Friendship, we have spent a lot of time discussing how to engage women in the regions where we work. Much of the discussion around women in developing regions fails to acknowledge the dearth of options  women can often face. All women deserve the opportunity not only to become wives and mothers, if they so desire, but also to grow their own businesses. When we work with our artisans, we do not simply ask for a certain amount of a design. We consult with the artists about what designs are most desirable and work around the available time and materials. AGF maintains a close line of communication with work in the field from the Brooklyn, N.Y. office.

Traditional crafts, photographed by our founder

Part of increasing opportunity for women involves encouraging and enabling them to expand their job opportunities, and we hope to give them the tools to do so. AGF’s founder, Elizabeth Firgeleski, has traveled to the communities where we work… and she has the altitude sickness to prove it! Talking to artisans and learning about their work is central to our philosophy at AGF: we are helping and hoping to redefine the value of traditional, indigenous craftwork. It’s even better if we can combine such work with a chance to compete in a global market, as well as assuring the funds go back to the community as higher wages or community health projects.