Wool tapestry, 'White Herons' (Peru)

Seen in profile, four white herons pose in perfect harmony, each repeating the graceful form of the others. Blue sky surrounds the slender birds, exalting their supple beauty as they stand at the edge of pond and meadow. Nilda Amaro captures their perfection in a handloomed tapestry, titled "Las Garzas" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Butterflies of Manu' (Peru)

Striped caterpillars mingle with the bright butterflies they, too, will become. They cluster on rocks and stones, depicted in a stunning tapestry. Raul Ulloa Bayl�n takes his inspiration from the Manu Nature Reserve. There some 1,300 species of butterflies find a refuge. Titled "Mariposas del Manu" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Amazon Glory' (Peru)

As if viewed from above, this tree is home to myriad birds of colorful plumage. "I created this design as a way of raising ecological consciousness and a call to renew our efforts to protect our Amazon region, so these cheerful birds may continue to live in their natural habitat. Likewise, so we may continue to admire the variety of creatures that live in Peru," exclaims Luis Leon. He weaves the wool tapestry on a pedal loom with the cushioned textures that are unique to San Pedro de las Cajas weaving legacy.

Wool tapestry, 'Macaw Clan' (Peru)

A quintet of parrots standing together on an arched branch keeps a watchful eye over the wonder that is the Peruvian Amazons. Nilda Amaro weaves this wool tapestry on a traditional loom with colors that are bright and intense, successfully conveying the natural, lush beauty of the land. Titled "Grupo de guacamayos" in Spanish.

Alpaca blend tapestry, 'Water Spirit' (Peru)

Rosa Pariona creates an underwater fantasy where fish and eels dance in celebration in a fabulous tapestry. Pariona works with an alpaca wool blend along with natural and artificial dyes as she weaves this tapestry on a traditional loom. Pariona includes hand-braided ropes to create a three-dimensional effect. Titled "Esp�ritu de las aguas" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Herd of Llamas' (Peru)

Shadows are falling as a herdsman starts his way down the valley with his herd of llamas. They linger on the edge of the incline, heads erect, ears poised, in a dozen different shades of brown and beige in this hand-woven tapestry by Francisco Huaynate. Titled "Tropilla de llamas en el campo" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Emerald Birds and Butterflies' (Peru)

Reflected in mirror images, ducks paddle serenely on emerald waters while jade butterflies flutter through the sky. Efrain Curi creates an extraordinary vision of the Andes in a handloomed wool tapestry. The radiant images inhabit bands of color that form concentric diamonds. Titled "Mariposas y Aves de mi Tierra" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Nazca Animals' (Peru)

Llamas, ducks and jaguars mingle with pelicans and songbirds. They grace an extraordinary tapestry, hand-woven on a rustic loom by Cerapio Vallejo. He works in virgin wool to create this colorful work of art.

Wool tapestry, 'Macaw Lingo' (Peru)

Nilda Amaro finds inspiration in the tropical colors of the Peruvian forests as she designs this fascinating wall hanging. The limpid imagery features two macaws enjoying a friendly banter while perched above exotic flowers. Amaro dyes the wool with natural pigments before weaving the tapestry on a handloom in a style unique to San Pedro de las Cajas.

Wool tapestry, 'Peace and Hope' (medium) (Peru)

A flock of doves carries a message of peace and hope from master weaver Efrain Curi. Depicted on a hand-loomed tapestry, the gentle birds soar together, soft bodies intertwined to fill the entire piece with their sweet beauty. Titled "Paz y esperanza" in Spanish.

Alpaca blend tapestry, 'Andean World' (Peru)

Inca cosmogony inspires Rosa Pariona to weave a tapestry of admirable artistry. Working on a traditional loom, Pariona weaves powerful images that tell of nature's harmonious balance. Mountains, sea and sky are in close inter-connection with animals and the spirits of Inca ancestors. The alpaca blend tapestry features a wool warp and a multicolored blend of natural and artificial dyes. Titled "Mundo andino" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Highland Llamas' (Peru)

Two women and their pack of llamas arrive at a tiny Andean hamlet, unloading the goods carried upon sturdy backs. Francisco Huaynate employs thick textures to evoke a sense of harmonious magic, each detail accentuated by soothing, natural tones. Titled "Apaycachana" (Transport) in Quechua.

Wool tapestry, 'Swan Lake' (Peru)

Nilda Amaro creates an idyllic scene where graceful white swans float on a clear blue lake. Surrounded by a green meadow, the lake reflects the quiet sky. Amaro creates the images with a palette of virgin wool and weaves this beautiful tapestry on a traditional handloom. Titled "Los cisnes" in Spanish.

Alpaca blend tapestry, 'Inca Rebirth' (Peru)

Brilliant color and swift movement depict the legend of the Inca. Rosa Pariona creates the images on a handloom, juxtaposing the vivid warmth of her characters with the deep blue background of dreams. "A myth tells how the Inca were cut into four parts and sent to different places," the artisan explains. "But one day the pieces will come together again and the Inca will be brought back to life." Hand embroidery brings enchanting textures to the tapestry and a display rod can be slipped through the wide hem at the top. Titled "Renacimiento incari" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Lilies' (Peru)

Waxen lilies arranged artfully in a copper vase nestle amid emerald leaves. Walter Paucar Velarde weaves an enchanting tapestry on the Andean handloom. Using soft woolen strands, he achieves an astonishing range of colors, delicately shading the design with the realism of a painting. Titled "Flores cartucho" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Flower Sellers' (Peru)

Shaded by wide-brimmed hats, women arrange brilliant bouquets of roses, daisies and arum blossoms in the Peruvian sierra. Nilda Amaro Oscanoa portrays a peaceful hamlet high in the Andes on a tapestry woven by hand. She uses natural dyes derived from plants and insects and, once satisfied with the colors, she uses a type of spinning wheel to fill each bobbin with floss. After sketching her design on paper, she creates it in wool by carefully placing each weft (horizontal) thread on the handloom. Titled "Vendedoras de flores" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Market of Clay Jars' (Peru)

Illuminated on a field of black, brilliant blankets designate each woman at a feria, or outdoor market in the Andes. Hats shield their features as they stand with backs to the viewer, guarding the earthenware jars they are selling. Working with soft, colorful yarns, Raul Ulloa Bayl�n creates a stunning tapestry on the handloom. Titled "La feria del c�ntaro" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'White Orchids' (Peru)

Bright against an azure sky, pristine petals enclose a golden heart. Ra�l Ulloa Bayl�n depicts the delicate orchids that thrive in Peru's fertile Amazon region. Weaving strands of wool on the Andean handloom, he creates an image of astonishing realism and exquisite beauty. Titled "Flores silvestres" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Flower Fiesta' (Peru)

Harvest time brings a feast of color and fragrances as women return with myriad flowers to sell. Shielded by their white hats and woolen shawls, the women approach neighboring villages with basketsful to sell. This inspiring scene is masterfully executed on a handloom according to the techniques of San Pedro de Cajas. Nilda Amaro Oscanoa coordinates a careful blend of natural and artificial dyes to achieve the intensity and clarity of colors that energizes this tapestry. Titled "Fiesta de flores" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Tarmatambo Village' (Peru)

A festival of color greets visitors to Tarmatambo as vendors prepare their baskets filled with a menagerie of flowers. Situated in Tarma province, Tarmatambo is renowned for its picturesque floral fields. Nilda Amaro Oscanoa replicates the beauty of the locale with her weaving artistry. Rich colors and delicate details make this wall hanging a captivating decorative accent. Titled "Pueblo de Tarmatambo" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'The Adoration of Water' (Peru)

As the sun sets over the Andean horizon, women take offerings of flowers to the "Adoration of the Waters." An ancestral custom, it is meant to express people's appreciation for water. Ra�l Ulloa creates this inspiring scene with virgin wool. The result is a splendid work of art woven on a rustic handloom. Titled "La adoraci�n del agua" in Spanish.

Wool tapestry, 'Women' (Peru)

The legacy of tradition casts a hypnotic spell on the work of the C�rdenas Brothers. Experienced weavers, they create a captivating tapestry featuring five Andean women. The piece is woven of wool on a handloom and shows women's garments, hats and braided hair in clear detail. Titled "Mujeres" in Spanish.