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Fairly Traded Handicrafts from Around the World
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Allpa is named for a Quechua Indian word that means "earth." Allpa is a Peruvian craft trading company providing marketing assistance to artisan groups and family workshops throughout Peru. In addition, Allpa provides technical help, product development advice, skills training, tools and appropriate equipment to artisans. Artisans can access short-term and mid-term loans to improve infrastructure and their workshops. Allpa works with families located in Cusco, Ayacucho, Chulucanas, Cajamarca and Huancavelica as well as Shipibo people living in the Amazon rainforest area of Pucalepa. For most of these people, craft production is a sole source of income.
In 1982, a group of economists, anthropologists and sociologists of the Universidad Católica of Lima created Allpa to improve living standards of handicrafts producers. Allpa began active work as an alternative trading organization in 1986.
Ten Thousand Villages purchases pottery, jewelry, ornaments, nativities, painted wood and glass pieces from Allpa. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Allpa since 1988.
Read stories from Allpa
Ancient Heritage of Chulucanas Pottery
The distinctive Chulucanas pottery pieces sold by Ten Thousand Villages are not only striking home accent items; they derive from ancient ceramic traditions of northern Peru. Thousands of years ago, potters of the Vicus culture of Peru's coastal deserts were known throughout the land as the finest ceramic artists. Using the clay beneath their feet and natural symbols around them, and guided by a strong religious inspiration, these artisans fashioned elegantly shaped, subtly painted ceramic pots.
Growing Success in Peru
Antonio continues to manage the logistics of Creaciones Camara. Luz is the "energy source" fueling the business; she provides design input, and works closely with Ten Thousand Villages trading partner Allpa, based in Lima. The workshop has collaborated with Allpa for 10 years, gradually increasing their production to the point where they are now Allpa's number two jewelry producer.
Modern Folk Art Reflects Ancient Tradition
Jorge Chavez, originally from Ayacucho, Peru works with his family and relatives to recreate the art of their past.
Providing Income for the Future
Villagers in Cochas, Peru are famous for their engraved gourd work, an art form that South Americans have been perfecting for nearly 4,000 years.
The Art of Chulucanas Pottery
In Chulucanas, a small town on the north coast of Peru, local potters have been creating unique clay items for centuries.
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