Textile Details

'Peruvian Arpilleras that tell a story, cry out, challenge and question', by Mujeres Creativas workshop, Peru. (Photo: Colin Peck)

Arpilleras (arr-pee-air-ahs) are stitched appliqué textile wall hangings that tell a story. They became prominent in Chile during the time of the Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990) and portray women’s struggles in their everyday lives.

These arpilleras were created in workshops in Lima in the ten year period from 1982 - 1992, by Mujeres Creativas, displaced women from the Andean region of Peru, caught in the crossfire between Shining Path (an insurgent group in rural areas) and State Forces during the war in Peru.

Impoverishment, political violence and the need to build new homes in the suburbs of Lima became the main themes depicted in these arpilleras which they started sewing as a cooperative venture and as a source of income. Scraps of material from women’s everyday lives are sewn into these arpilleras.

An old Irish Paisley pattern quilt found in the loft of Roberta’s home was used as a backing. True to its original purpose as a bed cover in cold weather, it has retained this practical purpose being now used to wrap arpilleras.

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