Arpilleras from Peru

A unique artistic masterpiece Originally an appliqué poster of protest made by oppressed Chilean women in the seventies, the arpillera has now become a recognised art form from Latin America.

These amazingly detailed embroideries tell stories, many of them passed from mother to daughter, of the ups and downs, joys and sorrows of Peruvian life. The women often work collectively, larger arpilleras can take many hours to complete. The pictures contain symbolism: for example, trees with fruit show abundance, as do full shopping baskets. People are shown with different expressions, and houses are large for rich people and small and simple for the poor.

How is an arpillera made? The sheer attention to detail makes these pictures fascinating to look at. This is how an arpillera is made: Fabrics are selected from the local markets according to the themes to be depicted. The main background pieces are cut out and tacked onto the backing cloth.

Each tiny figure, animal, piece of fruit or flower is individually hand sewn, stuffed and embroidered. The arpillera can then be made in to a tea cosy.