An exhibition of the largest ever collection of ch'ullo Peruvian hats opened at Casa del Inca Garcilaso de la Vega in Cusco last night (watch video). Part of Rosie Barnes personal collection, the hats are a cheery feast for the eye, each more beautiful than the next. Below is part of Barnes' introduction in the official pamphlet: 


Since pre-Hispanic times, the headdress or head covering was a graphic language in the Andean world. The most visible elements immediately expresses the user's identity and ethnicity. The incredible ancient Andean textiles are well known worldwide for their beauty and complexity. Historically Andean textiles were a visual rather than a written language. There were various pre-Columbian textile techniques. However, knitting was unknown until the arrival of the Spaniards. 


The ch'ullos brought me to Peru. I started collecting them in 2000, comparing them at fairs and jumble sales. Thanks to several people, I learned a lot about the history of Peruvian textiles, in general, and especially the ch'ullos. I hope that this small sample ch'ullos of Cusco, Puno and Apurimac, serves to preserve this rich tradition of Peruvian identity. - Rosie Barnes


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