Andean Tapestry Kilim: Handwoven Alpaca Wall Rug (134 x 79 cm)

Fresh from my curated collection, this vintage Andean flat-weave is a striking piece of folk art. A single, profile figure with a stepped headdress and perched bird is rendered in undyed greys, camel and warm browns on an ivory ground—classic highland aesthetics that sit beautifully with modern, neutral interiors. Woven as a tapestry kilim, it’s light enough to hang on a wall yet durable enough for gentle floor use.

Weaving tradition & structure

This textile is a weft-faced tapestry kilim from the central Andean tradition (Ayacucho/Cusco school, mid–late 20th c.).

Close-ups show slit-tapestry joins at color boundaries and interlocked joins in longer passages—hallmarks of Andean flat-weave technique.

Because it’s a flat-weave, there are no pile knots; KPSI does not apply. Instead, the cloth shows ~6–8 weft passes per cm (approx. 15–20 per inch), a typical tapestry density for this period and region.

Regional origin clues

The stepped headdress, stair-fret border at the right edge, and the profiled human figure with a bird reference pre-Columbian iconography commonly revived by 20th-century Peruvian weavers.

The undyed alpaca/ sheep palette—ivory, fawn, camel, cocoa, and heather grey—further supports an Andean highland origin.

Age window

Handle, palette, and original fringes suggest 1970s–1990s workshop production aimed at art-textile collectors and travelers. Fibers and dyes have mellowed evenly with light use; no color run is visible.

Materials

Weft (design yarns): hand-spun alpaca/wool blend with a soft halo.

Warp/foundation: undyed wool (note the woolly, slightly fuzzy fringe).

Dyes: predominantly natural/undyed shades; small accents likely plant-dyed tan and brown.

Design & cultural notes

Central profile figure with stepped headdress and bird on a perch; these reference Andean themes of status, ceremony, and messenger/condor symbolism.

The stepped fret and ladder motifs echo mountain terraces / chakana-type geometry—protective and cosmological forms in the region’s visual language.

Minimalist monochrome outlining (dark brown) clarifies the figure—a known design device in Ayacucho/Cusco tapestry workshops.

Condition (honest assessment)

Very good vintage: supple handle; edges intact; original fringes present but irregular (as woven).

Minor age toning, tiny weft shifts and a few natural yarn slubs typical of hand-spun fibers. No holes, tears, or repairs seen in the photographs. Ready to display.

Specifications:

Origin: Central Andes (Peru), Ayacucho/Cusco workshop tradition

Date: ca. 1970s–1990s

Type: Flat-weave tapestry kilim (weft-faced)

Size: 134 cm x 79 cm (approx. 4’5” x 2’7”)

Pile/knots: None (tapestry; KPSI not applicable)

Weave density (tapestry): ~6–8 weft picks/cm (~15–20/in)

Materials: Alpaca/wool weft on wool warp; undyed & plant-dyed colors

Colors: Ivory, oatmeal, camel, tan, cocoa, chocolate brown, soft grey

Ends/edges: Original twisted/fringed warps; overcast selvedges with weft returns

Condition: Very good vintage; light, even wear consistent with age

Suitable use: Wall hanging, low-traffic floor area, studio/entry accent


Features you’ll notice

⚒️ Handwoven with authentic Andean tapestry technique (slit joins visible in the details)

🐑 Natural alpaca/wool fibers with a beautiful, soft halo and earthy, undyed palette

🖼️ Art-textile presence: Pre-Columbian figure & bird motif—perfect as a wall statement

🧵 Original fringes & tidy selvedges—a good sign of careful workshop finishing

🧭 Narrow runner format ideal for gallery walls, halls, or layered boho interiors


Care & Handling (flat-weave safe)

Vacuum lightly on low suction with a smooth nozzle (no beater bar).

Rotate every few months to even light exposure.

Spot clean with cold water and a pH-neutral wool soap; blot—don’t scrub.

For wall display, sew a cotton sleeve or Velcro® strip to a twill tape and hand-stitch along the back; avoid piercing warps with hooks.

Professional wool cleaning recommended as needed; avoid prolonged moisture and direct, harsh sun.


Bring the quiet power of the Andes into your home. This piece has warmth, history, and graphic punch—all in a versatile, easy-to-live-with palette. Add to cart with confidence or message me for a custom hanging sleeve—happy to help!