Entrepreneurship and Wellbeing Fair

Our natural fiber weavings are a profound reflection of our history of resistance to colonization and the perseverance of our Kañari and Kichwa ancestors to preserve their traditions and ways of life. From forced displacement to the imposition of haciendas, our ancestors have always fought to keep their customs alive in pursuit of sumak kawsay (good living). This ancient practice of weaving baskets, containers, and other objects from ceramics or natural fibers has been passed down from generation to generation as a testament to sacrifice, hard work, and connection with nature.

Today, in the Yanuncay River community, weavers continue this ancestral practice, despite the increasing use of plastic in everyday life. Through our weaving, we keep alive the memory of our taytas (fathers) and mamas (mothers), honoring the ancestors who taught us to live in reciprocity with the land and to work as a community. The process of creating a basket is complex and requires great skill, but it is also an act of empowerment for our communities. Each woven piece tells the story of our identity, our struggle, and our connection to our roots.

We consider ourselves a collective of artisans who, from the Yanuncay River, continue to strive to preserve this tradition that defines and strengthens us. Our goal is to pass on this valuable heritage to future generations, ensuring that the art of weaving continues to be a means of sustenance, identity, and community.

Byron Tenesaca Guaman