Q’ero Mestana Ritual Cloth

Details

Description

A handsome vintage textile from the Q’ ero Nation in the Peruvian Andes. These cloths, also known as aquayo or … Read more A handsome vintage textile from the Q’ ero Nation in the Peruvian Andes. These cloths, also known as aquayo or miss cloths, have significant cultural and spiritual uses with Andean traditions.
The cloths are typically handmade by Quechua people in the communities like Chahauytire, known for them weaving skills. They are often woven on a 4-stake loom using alpaca wool.
Traditionally used as an altar cloth, it serves as the primary surface for preforming rituals like Despachos ( offerings to Mother Earth, or Pachamama ) and coca leaf divinations. Shamans also used these cloths to wrap and concentrate energy in their Kaya’s ( sacred medicine stones ).
Beyond the ritual uses these cloths are used to carry food, belongings, or even infants as receiving blankets.

This cloth is made form two panels joined together, representing the sacred duality of male and female. The central zig zag stitch represents lightening, while the join itself can symbolize the Milky Way or sacred rivers. Common colors include red for life force, black for the fertile womb of Pachamama, and yellow for the Sun.

Purchased 1970-1980’s, stored since. Pictures show you each and every angle, no hidden damages.
Weighs: 1.2lbs
Measures: 30” x 33” See less