In this specific site in Peru there was much to discover about the land, the plants and its cyclical motion of life.

To learn about the particularities of this region, why so many people have inhabited this land for so long and all the different ancient techniques that have been discovered, developed and passed down through generations.

The sacred valley is home to hundreds of indigenous people who work with the land in its purest essence. Living amongst the land and within the land, there is so much to learn about the way they govern their lives in accordance to the structure of the land and its cycles.

The Andean people come from the Incas who are one of the oldest civilisations. They discovered so much through their connection to the earth and their spirit that they likewise transmuted so much to generations after.

To see this perspective and to learnt in some ways of how they lived connected to the land brought much inspiration to daily life practice, values and how to reflect this pure connection through all that I do.

working with the land to develop a greater understand about it.

I had the pleasure of spending 4 months in the Sacred Valley, roaming the land, ancient paths and working with the land and the local people during its harvest season.

Discovering new plants, rocks, minerals, seeds and people. I had the pleasure of working with and alongside the indigenous of the Sacred Valley, being brought into homes to learn and up the mountains to harvest.

This was an expansive experience not only into a new colour pallet particular to this region but also into the depths of the plants, seeds, minerals and their rare colour potentially for making some of the most powerful natural dye colours I have personally ever seen.

As well as this I learnt about the diverse range of natural materials used in the area for daily lives used for building, making clothes, textiles, crafts medicines and agriculture.

Elements to work with from the land

Several natural fibres play a crucial role in daily life, reflecting the traditional practices and cultural heritage of the local communities.

Adobe Construction:

Construction Clay: traditionally in the valley adobe construction is done with a blend of clay from the earth, sand, straw and water. These ingredients are mixed together and then formed into either brick moulds to lay out in the sun to dry and then be used to construct houses. Or this mixture is directly applied into a bamboo frame that outlines the construction and the mixture fills the space as insulation.

Ichu Grass (Stipa ichu):

Textiles and Roofing: Ichu grass also known as feather grass is a type of bunchgrass native to the high-altitude. It is used for weaving textiles and is also employed in thatching roofs. The grass is well-suited for creating durable and weather-resistant materials.

Stone:

Construction and Sculptures: Peru has a rich history of stone architecture, and natural stone is used in construction. Traditionally Inca stone walls were constructed by precisely fitting together stones to create a strong and stable structure. Using stones to create agriculture terracing, walls and trunnels or small channels in for water drainage. Additionally, skilled artisans carve intricate sculptures and crafts from various types of stone.

Totora Reed:

Crafts and Construction: Totora reed, is an aquatic plant found in the wetlands of the region, is used for various purposes. Locals craft baskets, mats, and fishing implements from totora. Additionally, the reed is used in some traditional construction methods.

Quishuar Wood:

Carvings: Wood from the quishuar tree is often used for carving decorative items and traditional sculptures. The wood's durability makes it suitable for crafting.

Alpaca and Llama Wool:

Textiles and Clothing: Alpacas and llamas, which are native to the Andean region, provide high-quality wool. The wool is used to create traditional clothing items such as ponchos, chullos (hats), and blankets. The weaving techniques often showcase intricate patterns and designs specific to the region.

Cotton:

Textiles: Cotton is cultivated in the lower-altitude areas of the Sacred Valley. The fibres are spun and woven to produce textiles for clothing and household items.

Cabuya (Agave spp.):

Ropes and Bags: Fibres from the cabuya plant, a type of agave, are used to make ropes, bags, and other utilitarian items. The cabuya plant grows in the dry and high-altitude regions of the Andes.

Corn Husks:

Handicrafts: Corn husks come from the outer covering of corn which is widely harvested across the sacred valley as one of their ancient crops. Corn husks can be used as bio waste to replenish the land, for biodegradable containers and packaging and also woven into various handicrafts, such as dolls, ornaments, and decorative items.

Pita Fiber:

Crafts: Pita fiber, obtained from the leaves of certain agave plants, is used for crafting small items and ornaments.

These materials are not only practical for daily needs but also play a significant role in preserving and expressing Peru's cultural identity through traditional crafts and practices. The use of natural materials is deeply ingrained in the daily life and traditions of various communities across the country.

natural plants to use for colours

In the Sacred Valley of Peru, traditional textile artisans often use natural plant materials to create dyes for coloring fibrse. These natural dyes have been used for centuries and are an essential part of the Andean textile tradition.

Some plants commonly used for dyeing in the Sacred Valley:

Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus):

Color Produced: Red and pink hues.

Part Used: Female cochineal insects.

Notes: Cochineal is a scale insect that lives on cactus plants. When crushed, the female insects produce a red dye that has been used for centuries in the Andean region.

Wacatay (Tagetes minuta):

Color Produced: Yellow.

Part Used: Flowering tops.

Notes: Wacatay, also known as Huacatay or Peruvian marigold, is used to produce a yellow dye. It is also valued for its aromatic qualities.

Chilca (Baccharis spp.):

Color Produced: Yellow to green.

Part Used: Leaves.

Notes: Chilca is a plant native to the Andean region, and its leaves are used to produce yellow to green dyes.

Q'olle (Myrcianthes ferreyrae):

Color Produced: Yellow.

Part Used: Leaves.

Notes: Q'olle is a native Andean plant, and its leaves are used to create yellow dyes.

K'insa Q'ocha (Rumex spp.):

Color Produced: Red.

Part Used: Roots.

Notes: K'insa Q'ocha, which translates to "three lakes," refers to a group of related plants. The roots are used to produce red dyes.

Mullaca (Mirabilis jalapa):

Color Produced: Purple.

Part Used: Flowers.

Notes: Mullaca, also known as four o'clock flower, is used for producing purple dyes from its flowers.

Añil (Indigofera spp.):

Color Produced: Blue.

Part Used: Leaves.

Notes: Añil, or indigo, is used to create blue dyes. It is cultivated and used in various parts of the world, including the Andean region.

K'insa Willka (Mimosa spp.):

Color Produced: Yellow.

Part Used: Leaves.

Notes: K'insa Willka, which translates to "three sacred," refers to a group of related plants used for creating yellow dyes.

These natural dyes not only provide vibrant colors to the textiles but also hold cultural significance in Andean communities. The knowledge of traditional dyeing techniques and the use of locally available plants contribute to the uniqueness of Andean textile artistry.

natural minerals in the area

While the exact mineral composition can vary across the region, there are several minerals commonly found in the Andean highlands that have been historically utilised by indigenous communities for various purposes.

Andean Salt:

Location: Salinas de Maras

Use: Harvested from natural salt pans, Andean salt has been used for centuries as a dietary staple and for preserving food.

Pyrite:

Location: Various locations

Use: Pyrite, often known as "fool's gold," has been historically used for ornamental purposes and in traditional practices.

Quartz:

Location: Various locations

Use: Quartz crystals are used in traditional Andean spiritual practices and are sometimes incorporated into jewelry and crafts.

Calcite:

Location: Various locations

Use: Calcite crystals are valued for their aesthetic qualities and are sometimes used in traditional rituals.

Amethyst:

Location: Various locations

Use: Amethyst crystals, known for their purple coloration, may be used for decorative purposes and are sometimes associated with spiritual practices.

Copper:

Location: Various locations

Use: Copper has been historically mined and used for making tools, ornaments, and decorative items by ancient cultures in the Andean region.

Silver:

Location: Various locations

Use: Silver has been mined for centuries in the Andean region and is used in traditional jewelry and crafts.

Serpentine:

Location: Various locations

Use: Serpentine rocks are often carved into small sculptures and decorative items.

Lapis Lazuli:

Location: Various locations

Use: Lapis lazuli, a blue gemstone, has been used for ornamental purposes and is sometimes incorporated into jewelry.

Magnetite:

Location: Various locations

Use: Magnetite, an iron ore, has been used for various purposes, including in traditional medicine.

It's important to note that while some minerals in the Sacred Valley have been historically used for ornamental, spiritual, or practical purposes, the extraction and use of minerals should be conducted responsibly, taking into account environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Additionally, the mineral composition can vary across different locations within the Sacred Valley, and specific uses may be influenced by local traditions and practices.

beyond PLANT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES

Having researched the mountains and its region for 4 months I learnt far more than just how to make colours from the plants and how to extract minerals, but also why we make colours and use minerals, the meaning and reason of each colour and mineral. What they can do for the world, and the multitude of perspective offered by different tones, techniques and processes.

It is a necessity of out time to learn our land and how to live in accordance with it.

In this religion the senoras are famously learnt in the land, natural dying and weaving. Together they shared many specific technical information on how they create beautiful colours, tapestries, clothes and jewellery. However having spent time with them I began to learn not only the process and the plants but more in depth about the story of what they weave and the many layers beyond the perception of colour.

The true essence of their creative practice comes from their connection to source to transmute their connection and the lessons which they have learnt and have been passed down through generations.

The laws of nature are fundamental and this is why learning to live by the laws of the land, the cycles and how to be creative within that is so important and powerful. How to work with the natural materials, not to exploit and to maintain a pure connection.