About Kurypachamama

Kurypachamama Artisan Association was established in 1995, and is comprised of more than 32 Kichwa artisan families from 5 different communities. The organization’s goal is to support and promote their arts and traditional culture, and create a bridge for understanding, wisdom, and the way of life of indigenous people who share the same beliefs in unity, equality, and respect.  We believe that only by coming together can we see better days for ourselves and, therefore, for future generations. 

The beautifully designed and exquisetely produced handmade goods, clothing and accessories, carvings and gift items are well known around the world and have been sought after by thousands of visitors to Ecuador. The weavings generally are of traditional designs which have been passed down though many generations.

Originally the artisans of Peguche sold their arts and crafts as individuals at local markets, surviving through agriculture and the sale of their artwork. However, even the large Otavalo Saturday market, was (and still is) dominated by resellers of arts and crafts, who were organized under a government-supported union.

 Ironically the Otavalo Saturday Market, famed as the authentic place for buying locally made handcrafted goods, does not feature the artists themselves in the central part of the market. The resellers still dominate this part of the market, making great profits on these goods, while the artisans themselves are often located on the fringes of the market’s streets.

As a solution to these precarious conditions, the artisan families began to organize based on traditional Kichwa ways of living, and Kurypachamama was born.  Founded as a non governmental and not-for-profit organization, the cooperative’s members and leaders sought possible markets outside of Ecuador for their unique products.  Within the last three years Kurypachamama started exporting its products to the U.S. in small scale and establishing a basic business network. Our biggest hurdle right now is distribution costs.

Today, Kurypachamama Artisan Association has a established basic import/export business centered in Peguche and is now recognized as a Native Association by the Ecuadorian government.

Kurypachamama helps co-operative members build a sustainable economic base, maintain their traditional way of life, and share their knowledge and skills with others around the world.  Traveling with Kurypachamama assures that your support for this community remains with the community.