Following an invitation at the end of 2022, Nan Nan Corner traveled to Peru in South America to participate in the annual Peru Moda, a major fashion and home décor exhibition. In the autumn of 2023, we returned to South America once again. In addition to revisiting the Amazon rainforest, we attended the Peru Food Expo and the Peru Moda international textile fair. We also visited palo santo production areas and alpaca textile workshops in the Andes, continuing our exploration of South America’s local craftsmanship.

The Transnational Amazon Rainforest

During this journey to South America, we specially arranged a dreamlike adventure, taking a red-eye flight to the Amazon rainforest region of Peru. The Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. It is not only located in Brazil, but also spans across eight countries, including Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Rich in resources and home to countless endemic species, many countries have been actively developing rainforest ecotourism.

After a long journey, we arrived at the Muyuna lodge deep in the forest. Guided by a local expert, we paddled along the Amazon River and ventured into the rainforest. Along the way, we encountered the world’s smallest monkeys, sloths, capybaras, pink river dolphins, and even fungi said to transmit signals, as well as trees covered in long thorns—each revealing the vibrant life of this jungle. Through the traditional pottery, embroidery, and beadwork of Amazonian indigenous communities, we also glimpsed the spirit of the rainforest, alongside emerging contemporary designs inspired by it.

Seed Jewelry Craft

Huayruro is a bright red seed that comes from the pods of the South American tree Ormosia coccinea. Since ancient times, it has been regarded as a symbol of good luck. Indigenous communities of the rainforest collect these fallen seeds and keep them in bottles at home to bring fortune, or turn them into necklaces and ornaments to be worn as protective amulets.

These seeds are glossy and vividly red, some marked with black spots. Traditionally, fully red seeds are associated with the feminine, while those with black markings represent the masculine—together symbolizing the origin of life and the energy of fertility. Beyond their symbolic meaning, the seeds are also believed to have medicinal properties; their sap has been used to treat eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, making them an important resource in rainforest life.

Tagua, often referred to as “vegetable ivory,” has a texture similar to real ivory but comes from a specific type of palm tree found in the Amazon rainforest. The fruit resembles a coconut with a spiky outer shell. When opened, it reveals a white endosperm similar to mangosteen, which gradually solidifies from liquid into a gel-like substance, and eventually hardens into what is known as tagua. With ring-like patterns and a color, hardness, and texture comparable to ivory, the trees that produce it are classified under the genus Phytelephas, commonly known as ivory palms. In the 19th century, German traders introduced tagua to Europe, where it became popular among the aristocracy as a material for high-end buttons and decorative elements. Artisans also carve tagua into sculptures and handicrafts.

Pirarucu: The Giant of the Amazon

The Pirarucu, as it is known by the indigenous people of the Amazon, is a species native to the region. Growing to lengths of over 2.5 meters and weighing more than 100 kilograms, it is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish and a vital food source for local communities.

While it possesses teeth like many other freshwater fish, the Pirarucu actually hunts using its tongue, which is as hard as bone—the very origin of its name ("bony tongue"). Its diet consists of fish, but it is also known to prey on small caimans and piranhas. Beyond its unique tongue structure, the Pirarucu is covered in scales that are remarkably large, thick, and tough. Indigenous people often harvest these scales with hammers to craft daggers or decorative ornaments.

Today, some workshops collect discarded fish skins from local harvests to develop unique fish-leather crafts. These artisans strictly adhere to environmental conservation regulations: they only accept skins from Pirarucu exceeding 1.5 meters in length and ensure that the harvest does not exceed one-fifth of the total population in a given lake. This sustainable approach has paved the way for new developments in Amazonian craftsmanship.

Andean Indigenous Weaving Craftsmanship

Weaving and embroidery are the oldest crafts in the Andes. Using local wool, alpaca fiber, or cotton, these textiles reflect the essence of civilization and culture. Peru is home to more than 50 different indigenous groups, each possessing unique weaving techniques and totems. Some are embroidered patterns for traditional rituals, while others are decorative motifs on "manta" (slings) used by indigenous women for childcare, serving as a vital symbol of ethnic identity.

In recent years, many workshops and designer brands have dedicated themselves to preserving indigenous weaving. By venturing deep into high-altitude mountains and jungles, they seek to understand the techniques, color palettes, totems, and cultural meanings of various tribes. These efforts include compiling embroidery catalogs and integrating traditional craftsmanship into modern home decor and apparel, allowing the exquisite textiles of the Andes to be seen by a wider global audience.

Gourd Carving Craftsmanship (Mate Burilado)

The use of gourds as ladles, containers, or musical instruments is a widespread cultural tradition worldwide. However, in Peru, palm-sized gourds are etched with incredibly fine lines and intricate patterns. This is the art of gourd carving—a tradition spanning over 4,000 years—centered in the villages around Huancayo in central Peru.

Huancayo serves as the cultural and commercial hub of the central Peruvian Andes, boasting a rich heritage of crafts including gourd carving, mask-making, pottery, and embroidery. Artisans first peel and dry the gourds, then use small specialized tools to etch delicate designs. By rubbing charred straw ashes into the incisions, the lines are blackened, causing detailed imagery to instantly emerge. These carvings serve as a visual narrative, storytelling of festivals, legends, myths, and the essence of their daily culture.

Peru: A Hub for South American Craftsmanship

Compared to other South American nations, Peru boasts a long-standing history of brand development and a diverse array of artisanal brands. Whether they are preserving the traditional cultural crafts of Andean indigenous peoples or infusing them with modern design elements, the results are truly refreshing.

The coastal areas of the capital, Lima, are particularly vibrant, gathering numerous independent boutiques, art galleries,and craft shops. This area is often hailed as the "Brooklyn of Lima." If you find yourself in Peru, I highly recommend taking a stroll through these neighborhoods to explore for yourself.

Peruvian Pima Cotton: The Silk of the Andes

Peru is home to one of the world's most renowned premium fibers: Pima Cotton (also known as Sea Island Cotton). Native to Peru and Ecuador, it has been domesticated, cultivated, and woven by South American indigenous peoples for over 3,000 years. Through global trade, Pima cotton has become a favorite worldwide. Although it belongs to the same botanical species as Egyptian cotton, its quality often surpasses the latter due to unique cultivation methods and the Andean climate.

Generally speaking, the longer the fiber, the softer and lighter the resulting textile. Pima cotton benefits from long hours of sunlight, leading to higher maturity and classifying it as an Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton. Once spun into yarn, it possesses a natural luster and a silky-soft texture, while remaining incredibly durable and resistant to pilling. It is considered the finest cotton in the world, accounting for only 3% of global cotton production.