Our "Proyecto Raíces Vivas" was born out of a deep respect for the cultural heritage of the Andes. As we journeyed through the highlands of Peru, we encountered more than breathtaking landscapes... We found communities at the heart of living traditions, passed down for generations. Raíces Vivas is our commitment to preserving these traditions by creating opportunities for education and empowerment, ensuring that the roots of this culture continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world through reading.

In the village of Yanque, deep in the Colca Canyon, with the support of local authorities, the NGO Yukitaz, and the dedication of our team, we established Yanque’s first cultural community library, a place where children can access books, explore their heritage, and discover a world beyond their surroundings.

At the core of this project is the belief that traditions are kept alive by the people who practice them. In the Colca Canyon, we’ve partnered with local artisans who create the beautiful Tambothread embroidery seen in the Colca Hoodie and other pieces. By supporting these artisans, we are helping to preserve not only their skills but also their stories, woven into each thread with care and pride. Raíces Vivas provides a platform for these artisans to share their craft with the world, ensuring that these techniques are passed down to future generations.

And this is just beginning. With the successful launch of the Yanque library and the growing engagement with local artisans, we are setting our sights on new opportunities to expand our impact. From developing more community spaces for education and cultural preservation to creating sustainable platforms for artisan work across the Andes, Raíces Vivas aims to continue its journey of empowerment and preservation, bringing the rich traditions of the Andes into the future.

The best part? You don’t need to be in the highlands of Peru to help preserve this beautiful rich cultural heritage. Through your purchase, you become a part of a movement that empowers local communities, protects traditional craftsmanship, and nurtures the next generation of leaders and creators. Join us as we continue to expand the reach of Raíces Vivas, ensuring that the roots of this incredible culture remain strong for generations to come.

The TamboThread

The Colca Hoodie features the TamboThread embroidery attachment, inspired by the “Tambos”, strategic resting stops on the long journey of the Chasquis. This craft, handmade by skilled artisans for over 2000 years, carries Colca’s fauna and flora designs learned entirely by memory. Each motif is stitched freehand, guided only by the artisan’s pulse and experience. Every creature of nature captured in these embroideries can embody a spirit with whom humans may interact, keeping alive the Andean tradition of reciprocity with the natural world.

  • Kuntur - The Condor

    Sacred ruler of the skies, the condor glides between the living and spiritual realms, carrying the will of the gods. Its wings speak of strength, freedom, and timeless power.

  • Mosq’e - The Sancayo Flower

    Blooming in the highlands, it is the emblem of life’s renewal; keeper of natural abundance, fertility, and healing traditions.

  • Q’enti - The Andean Hummingbird

    A tiny messenger from the Hanaq Pacha, the world above. Its sudden appearance whispers of good fortune and joyful news.

  • P'isaqa - The Andean Partridge

    Keeper of balance between two worlds: the fertile lands shaped by humans and the wild heights ruled by nature. Their dance honors this meeting of contrasts, where the
    crafted and the untamed meet.