The Ultimate Spinning and Weaving Conference: Tinkuy 2017

Tinkuy Spinning and Weaving Conference 2017 is in November, and I’m lining up my ducks to go. This will be the third such gathering—think of it as an Andean weaving conference, though spinners and weavers from around the world will be there. If you’re itching to learn drop spindle spinning from the weavers of Santa Cruz de Sallac, it’s time to sign up.

For an account of the 2013 event, check out Ercil Howard-Wroth’s article “A Journey to Tinkuy” in Spin Off Summer 2014. Andean Textile Arts shared the following information about this year’s event.

Tinkuy 2017 Gathering of the Textile Arts Weaving the Past, Present & Future November 8-11, 2017 Cusco, Peru

Tinkuy 2017 is a celebration of the wealth and diversity of textile traditions from around the world. Tinkuy, which means “gathering” in Quechua, is the third Tinkuy sponsored by Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC) and Andean Textile Arts. For four days, textile artists and enthusiasts, anthropologists, art historians, and many others will gather to share traditions, techniques, and fellowship.

Tinkuy brings textile artists from across the Americas and around the world.

Beginning with a festive parade of artisans and a blessing by Q’ero shamans and Elders of the weaving communities, Tinkuy 2017 continues with three days of presentations including keynote speakers and workshops, cultural performances, a fashion show, a movie night, and spinning competitions. Throughout the gathering, presentations and demonstrations by visiting weavers will display the wealth and diversity of textile traditions of the Americas and beyond.

Workshops for textile enthusiasts include basic and advanced backstrap weaving, spinning, Qhurpus knitting, and Chichilla tubular border weaving. An optional post-gathering workshop on natural dyeing will be conducted in Chinchero.

Tinkuy will offer workshops in spinning, backstrap weaving, knitting, and more.

Location: Tinkuy takes place in Cusco, Peru, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, and a World Heritage site. It is a gateway to Machu Picchu and other important archeological sites, and enjoys a dramatic setting at 11,200 feet in the Andes. A blending of ancient Inca stonework and Colonial architecture, important cultural museums, and a vibrant artisan culture make this a compelling destination for visitors. The Tinkuy events will be held in the Cusco Convention Center in the heart of the old city.

Registration: For programming details, visit www.tinkuy2017.textilescusco.org. Registration packages are available plus an early bird discount until April 30. Andean Textile Arts is taking registration for North American participants. For registration in Latin America, email handwoven@longthreadmedia.com or visit www.tinkuy2017.textilescusco.org.

Featured Image: Andean spinners and weavers use every moment of downtime for spinning. All photos courtesy of Andean Textile Arts.

—Anne

---

Discover Andean spinning and knitting techniques!