Watana Strands

Also known as San Ccapas, are traditional Andean beaded strands that symbolize the Earth and heavens, feminine & masculine properties, the journey of life, and a multitude of unique cultural prayers & elements. These crafts are hand spindled out of sheep or alpaca wool, woven with a variety of colors and designs, and adorned with ‘the stars’, which are the beads. This is often the first project an aspiring young weaver learns to make; thus, each strand is supporting young woman to pick up weaving as their work, rather than choosing modern jobs in the city. We support only pieces made from natural fibers and plant dyes to encourage weavers to make ecological choices through their crafting materials. Fiber: 100% handwoven Alpaca & Sheep wool with naturally dyed fibers, handcrafted using the backstrap loom technique. Dimensions: 100cm x 1cm  (*Sizes may vary slightly from piece to piece) Watanas have an infinite scope of uses. Traditionally, they are worn braided in the hair