Inspiring ocher hues characterize this set of four tapestries by Cerapio Vallejo. The small frames present abundant visual meaning, as Inca motifs mesmerize with their geometric perfection. These handcrafted pieces may also be used as original Peruvian wall hangings. Pukio means lake in the Quechua language. Cerapio Vallejo and his family translate the Andean landscape and its culture onto handmade tapestries, employing both realistic figures and meaningful abstractions. Hailing from the southern highlands of Peru, Vallejo maintains weaving traditions he has practiced since childhood, elaborating his pieces on one of eight looms he constructed by hand. This work combines sheep wool (90%) and cotton (10%), resulting in a pleasing texture and generations of durability. The vivid colors are achieved with natural dyes such as those extracted from the cochineal insect, eucalyptus tree, walnut and the native molle tree. Synthetic dyes are also used.
