INKA TAPESTRY
Workshop
The Ancestral Tapestry
by Cesar Laura
biography
JOHN CESAR CAIRA LAURA
Artistic Name:
CESAR LAURA
"Our designs and techniques may be contemporary, yet we are always inspired by our cultural ancestors."
"Great master of Ayacucho inherited the art of the Inca, Paracas and Wari cultures but in the 1970s and 1980s, many women and men fled the region due to terrorism," Cesar Laura says. "A whole generation migrated to Lima, where artisans were able to preserve their craft. Thus, much of Ayacucho artistry is now made in Lima. We are amongst these people, we come form a long family weaving tradition and we are keen to see our art preserved."
Cesar Laura says, "I learned to weave under my father's watchful glance. I began to learn at a very young age because we needed to contribute to the family's finances during the days of terrorism. I began to study engineering at Peru's National University, but due to economic constraints I had to drop out so I could dedicate my time wholeheartedly to textile weaves. Eventually I studied digital art and design so that I could innovate my textile designs while keeping true to traditional weaving techniques."
It comes from the great family of master weavers LAURA.
Our tapestries are entirely woven on traditional looms with alpaca wool as the main material. Our designs and techniques may be contemporary, yet we are always inspired by our cultural ancestors. We collectively sign our work as “INKA” to honor our legacy."

