Meet Hipolita, Weaving Artisan

Hipolita, a 12 year socia of FINCA Perú, has dedicated her life to crafting intricate tapices and other woven goods in her workshop which rests high on a hill overlooking the city of Huamanga. Hipolita, her husband and all of her six children were born in Ayacucho and all of them work together to drive the family business. Hipolita learned how to use a loom when she was a little girl from her uncles, and has passed the skill down to each one of her children.

Hipolita says the favorite part of her job is spending time with her family. In Hipolita´s workshop, there are six different looms in the same room which is just enough for her and all her kids to all work together if they pleased. She always plugs in the radio or moves the television into the workshop when the family is working to help pass the time.

The historical sights that surround Huamanga, including the Wari and Vilcashuaman ruins, are what Hipolita likes the most about her home. She says that very few outsiders visit Ayacucho, but they should because the ruins are beautiful. Trying to sell her tapices in a market where tourists rarely visit is the hardest part of her job.