Melanie Ebertz started ArtAndes, a textile preservation project in the Peruvian Andes during the mid-eighties. The idea was realized during months of backpacking through remote & often impoverished villages, where the Quechua Indigenous raised sheep and wove textiles from their hand-spun wool. Over the years, Melanie worked with families on design ideas that would help their textiles appeal to a US clientele. The Quispe family was one of those special families, they have just celebrated their third decade working closely together.

It was a dream of Melanie's to see the ancient techniques be taken forward by the next Quispe generation, yet it didn't seem likely. Tapestry weaving is incredibly complex requiring an abundance of patience and skill. Before the weaving starts, the wool is hand-spun on a drop- spindle then dyed in all natural colors and minerals. What were common skills in the past, were rapidly disappearing by  the late 90's. Young people had other ambitions more in line with Peru's changing times.

Then Covid crushed Peru's economy for nearly two years. Samuel Quispe the ‘next generation weaver' closed his restaurant, came home to resume weaving and took over the family business. What was an absolute tragedy for the country and the world, had a major role in craft and culture preservation! Samuel was nine when Melanie met him, the oldest of four. He's now forty, weaves proudly alongside his Uncles Charly, Urbano & his Madre Pascuala. This remarkable family are committed to preserving the ancient techniques that rival their famous Pre-Colombian ancestors.

ArtAndes rugs reflect an ancient tradition of expression and human fortitude. Unique and timeless, each rug is a meaningful heirloom, infused with the spirit of the Andes.