AMAKAYA THREADS
About Amakaya Threads
We want to spread the beauty of the Shipibo-Konibo's vibrant colors, story telling patterns and long history of artisanal traditions. We work directly towards supporting the women of the Ucayalli river, and make their art seen and accessible to wear around the world.
It is no small affair that these patterns and skillsets live on today - but they only do so - just. We are dedicated to stimulate, encourage and help to preserve this unique heritage through Amakaya Threads.
Why It Matters
A frightening amount of fashion today has spiralled out of control. Though it is in a small scale,
we are comited to do what we can to offer an alternative; something Loved and Meaningful.
Each one of our garments reflect the deep roots and intimate relationships the indigenous Shipibo people have with nature, spirit and true craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story.
We would like to share it with you.
A Stitch At a Time
Every item we make takes several weeks to complete. In a world that moves as fast as ours,
we wish for you to wear our threads and be reminded to sometimes slow down, concentrate and know that with patient we will all gonna get there in the end.
Our Boutique
We provide ethically produced textiles where the money goes directly to the women who make them. We work together to merge traditional craftsmanship with fresh, western designs. Currently our offerings include clothing, accessories and home decor that embody sustainable fashion.
Bespoke
We provide ethically produced textiles where the money goes directly to the women who make them. We work together to merge traditional craftsmanship with fresh, western designs. Currently our offerings include clothing, accessories and home decor that embody sustainable fashion.
We are not quite there yet, but we do hope to inspired you to want to immerse yourself as well in the world of indigenous art.
Soon we will have Starter Kits available in the shop, and offer embroidery techniques, patterns and online stitch-trick so that you can make your own!
Women With Threads
Amakaya Threads exists to bridge the gap between ancestral Amazonian artistry and the modern world. My focus is on the Shipibo-Konibo community of Paoyhan on the Ucayali River. By creating a direct channel for their work, we are ensuring that Kené—a complex, mind-based geometric tradition—remains a viable and respected profession
The world of the Shipibo-Conibo, who believe that everything that exists is composed of designs, is really an opening to the infinite, to the non-immaterial. It is a source of wise knowledge and a harmonious way of life, of respect for the environment, the human, the divine and creation.
Path Of Your Garment
Crafted in Pauyan: Your piece begins on the porch of the Urquia Family. Mother Lucía or daughters Bridget & Carola will design and embroider or share it with one of the neighbouring women in the village.
The Ucayali river Passage: Once complete, the garments travel by river boat for about 6 hours, navigating the deep jungle to reach the road to Pucallpa.
A long night or quick flight: The Urquia brothers and Ayahuasceros, Richard & Julio, pick it up the collection and either put them on the 17 hour night bus, or take them with them on the "chicitito" plane when they next travel to Tarapoto.
The Finish line (almost): Kajsa receives the garments, takes a moto taxi up the Andes mountain chain to San Antonio outside of Tarapoto, and hikes 40 min through the jungle and across three rivers to reach the Amakaya HQ. Here, each piece is reviewed, washed, packaged, documented, and prepared for its continued journey.
Helping Hands: As we prefer to work around industrial, risky and costly international companies, and make sure that the money goes to hands that need it, we are forever grateful for our Helping Hands -- the extended Amakaya community of friends and retreat guests -- who regularly travel from Peru. They take our embroideries with them, so that they can be sent safely to you within the United State.
Explore our Collection
A Visual Language of the Shipibo-Konibo
Get In Touch
Hi there, if you are interested in a bespoke garment, have any thoughts, feedback, ideas or questions.
Just drop me a message below. I would love to hear from you!
Thank you, x Kajsa