1.- INTRODUCTION TO CUSCO’S HANDICRAFT TRADITION
Among the cultural aspects that highlights the city of Cusco certainly the handicraft details are part of the cultural treasure that are reflected by the connection between man and earth, because of this many places were designed where the tradition of elaboration is preserved and even more the sense with which it is made, currently known as Handicraft Center Cusco. Known as the ancient capital of the Inca empire, the city of Cusco contains one of the most amazing cultural legacies in the world, not only for its utilitarian value but at the same time as an expression of cultural pride, thus creating a fundamental pillar within the daily life in the Andean region where in a harmonious way the Andean culture merged with aspects of European culture creating what is known as miscegenation and resulting in a Handicraft Center Cusco where you can appreciate this legacy.
What stands out at first sight of a Handicraft Center Cusco, without a doubt, is that it contains an incredible mixture of colors, textures, shapes and at the same time respect for the identity at the moment of elaborating the articles that many tourists consider as appreciated souvenirs and of incalculable value. It is like to see that in a Handicraft Center Cusco native elements are used and typical of the place such as alpaca wool, ceramics made of clay or wood and jewelry with precious metals such as gold and silver, be sure that a Handicraft Center Cusco is a center of interpretation in an aesthetic and at the same time symbolic way about the Andean culture.
2.- History of handicrafts in Peru
To know What to buy in Cusco Peru it is important that you first know what are the roots of this ancestral legacy, because everything you can find inside a Handicraft Center Cusco comes from the knowledge of ancient pre-Inca civilizations such as the Nazca, Mochica, Paracas and Tiahuanaco. Thanks to the great experience of time managed to master the handling of moldable materials such as gold, silver, copper, clay, wood and many other elements with which they created unique pieces that were linked to symbolism and Andean belief being used in many cases in religious ceremonies. The passage of time allowed all this knowledge to be passed on to the Inca culture, who produced handicrafts on a larger scale and were recognized for their functionality and at the same time for the harmony that stood out with the natural environment.
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For the sixteenth century began a new stage with the arrival of the Spanish, the techniques and materials used by the European colonizers had a great influence on the Peruvian craftsmanship however that failed to eradicate the root of the Andean traditions and in many cases remained and easily integrated the European style creating a fusion of elements resulting in the production of multiple elements used for the colonial era and later until the Republic, even today when it comes to shopping Cusco you can find unique and traditional elements belonging to the Inca culture times, to the intermediate stage of the colony and in some cases adapted with modern styles, in each Handicraft Center Cusco you can find a different style.
3.- MAJOR HANDICRAFT CATEGORIES
When visiting a Handicraft Center Cusco to be able to Cusco Peru Shopping you should know that the craft traditions are a legacy that have been inherited for generations, you can even get to ensure that there is no different way to produce them if it is not with the hands of artisans cusqueños as they have inherited this legacy that traditionally has an origin from the Inca culture. Through multiple forms of expression, Cusquenian artisans have transmitted these values and identified in a much closer way the Andean belief allowing that when a traveler goes shopping Cusco, he can take with him a piece of the wide culture that the city contains.
3.1.- Textile Arts
Textiles are one of the main cultural expressions of handicrafts that can be found in Cusco as well as being the most recognized in the Andean world. When visiting a Handicraft Center Cusco it is common to appreciate multiple places where these pieces are exhibited, essentially elaborated with alpaca, vicuña and sheep wool that are characterized mainly by the complexity of the technique with which they are worked, besides containing a great Andean symbolism reflecting in many cases the daily life of the people. Among the most popular weaving techniques is the backstrap loom, a method transmitted for generations where unique designs with a deep relationship with nature, religious beliefs and Andean cosmovision are captured. Essentially it is possible to appreciate within these pieces geometric patterns, zoomorphic shapes and other elements that are quite sacred to the Andean culture, although almost in all copies is always seen reflecting the presence of the main god of the Inca culture, the sun. When touring a Handicraft Center Cusco you will appreciate multiple varieties and you must understand that they are not only objects of clothing or decoration, in fact they are considered as narrators of history and belief through an ancestral legacy.
3.2.- Ceramics and Pottery
If you are still wondering, What to buy in Cusco Peru? Perhaps the answer is to get a souvenir with one of the oldest handicrafts in Peru, pottery is a work that is done by excellence and that to this day represents a traditional method of pottery that is passed from generation to generation. The style is simple but useful, molding the clay by hand to give it the desired shape and then firing it in a kiln or wood fires, this technique has allowed the elaboration of multiple utensils for various uses including plates, cups, bowls and many other items that have served both for everyday use as well as to participate in religious ceremonies. While doing Cusco Peru shopping you will notice that ceramics is known mainly for its elegance and fine finishes and also that the pieces represent a great connection with nature and the environment and in some cases are made in the form of human figures to represent the connection between the earthly and the divine world. This is also one of the main elements that you can find inside a Handicraft Center Cusco at a glance, so you can appreciate all its varieties in shapes, sizes and colors.
3.3.- Metalwork and Jewelry
For no one is surprise that during the time of the Inca culture precious metals such as gold and silver were essentially used as elements linked to the Andean and religious belief thus lacking an economic or commercial value however this does not detract from the fact that this culture was one of the biggest influences in their work, because the Cusco jewelry, today is the ancestral legacy of the Inca culture that continues to be practiced by master craftsmen Cusco. While touring a Handicraft Center Cusco to be able to do Shopping Cusco you will appreciate the great variety of options and styles that exist among them necklaces, bracelets, rings and many other ornaments that are used as an aesthetic part but also have a great representation as an amulet of protection to the wearer and is a direct connection to the spiritual world, This is precisely what a Handicraft Center Cusco tries to reflect in each one of the souvenirs or handicrafts that it elaborates, in its great majority each one of these pieces tend to have an inspiration of nature in some cases with forms of being snakes, pumas, Andean flowers and even the popular Andean cross or chacana.
3.4.- Wood Carving and Sculpture
Wood sculpture is also one of the great traditions that are still maintained and prevail in history thanks to the master craftsmen who have kept this legacy alive, usually become the most expensive objects in a Handicraft Center Cusco, as this involves much more time in its development and many of the artisans have designated their work to the detailed creation of wood saints, virgins, angels and other mythological figures linked to the Andean belief. In the history of the world, the wood has been a highly malleable material, which is why it was also used to make furniture, altars and even decorative elements for churches such as the popular pulpits. Something that is unique is that all objects made in this way within a Handicraft Center Cusco have a unique expressiveness which at the same time generates a bond of nostalgia between the people who appreciate it and the creator himself.
4.- HANDICRAFT CENTERS AND MARKETS
4.1.- San Pedro Market
It is considered as the most important and popular Handicraft Center Cusco, among all the other places where you can find handicrafts certainly the San Pedro market is considered as the most complete and is quite close to the main square, in fact you can easily reach it walking in a straight line from the main square for five minutes. It is quite large since its extension is almost an entire block and inside you can find several extensive alleys where stalls of various purposes such as clothing, textiles, jewelry, ornaments, food, supplies and other items that reflect the great history that contains this place, what stands out enough of this Handicraft Center Cusco no doubt are the comfortable prices they provide, it is also widely known mainly for its gastronomic area where you can also find some of the most curious exotic fruits of Peru.
4.2.- Centro Artesanal Cusco
This Handicraft Center Cusco is one of the most important since it is located in front of the popular waterfall known as Paqcha, on Tullumayo Avenue. Initially it was designed so that the people who were dedicated to the elaboration of handicrafts that sold their products on the street could have a safe and comfortable space where they could offer it to the thousands of tourists who come to the city every year, with the passage of time this idea was reinforced and also invited to help people from rural villages so they can have a more accessible means of income. It is for this reason that the variety of handicrafts, mainly textiles, that can be found in its interior is incredibly varied, there are options of very fine clothing made from alpaca wool which has given it a very important place in the visitors guide.
4.3.- San Blas Market
Known as the bohemian neighborhood of the city of Cusco, San Blas has a traditional market that takes place every Saturday in the main square where the most renowned master craftsmen of the city can exhibit their work and make it known to the world, although as such it is not a Handicraft Center Cusco, is considered in the list because it is a place of concentration of multiple people who are experts in designing and creating unique crafts of its kind, San Blas is one of the neighborhoods that best contains the essence of history and provides the opportunity to immerse visitors in an incredible nostalgia to experience more about the Andean culture and how to this day remains present among the people who inhabit it.
5.- SOMETHING ABOUT THE INCAS
“The Inca economy was not based on a monetary system, in fact everything was based on community work and at the same time it is known that handicrafts had an extremely important role within this system because these objects were used both for everyday life and for extremely important moments such as ceremonies and rituals where they were directly linked to the sun god and Andean deities.”
6.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
- Where are the best places to buy handicrafts?
If it is the first time you visit the city of Cusco, your best choice will always be to visit the handicraft markets where the variety of options you will have will be wide, you can choose more personalized souvenirs and a better price.
- How can I ensure I’m buying authentic handicrafts?
Duplicates and cheap copies nowadays are quite common for this reason. Before buying a handicraft it is important that you consult your travel guide so that he/she can give you a recommendation.
- What are fair prices for handicrafts?
Prices can vary according to the item you choose, there is no exact price and it will also depend on the place where you buy it, however an average is that small things can be from $1.00 dollar to $25.00 dollars, while bigger things can cost from $50.00 dollars or more.
- Can I negotiate prices?
Yes, in fact being a market or a traditional place the negotiation is part of the custom, however take into consideration that many of these people take a lot of their personal time in the elaboration of these unique items for this reason it is best to always pay a fair amount for a unique piece of craftsmanship.
- Are there restrictions on exporting handicrafts?
Yes, there are elements that are considered as part of the national heritage and for this reason are forbidden to be traded, this is the reason why when trying to pass with these elements across borders between countries there can be problems, however when it comes to one or two pieces of local crafts there is not much inconvenience.
- How do I transport fragile handicrafts?
There are options in which you can place it in a container with foam or bubble protection which will secure the package to its destination.
Visiting a Handicraft Center Cusco during your trip will undoubtedly be a great complement to your experience, however be careful with copies and fakes, it is always a possibility. For this we recommend you to get proper advice and Auri Peru is a great option since we design unique adventures considering security aspects and satisfaction of all our travelers, contact us now and together we will design your next experience in Cusco.
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