Stéphane Pachot and the dolls of Andahuaylillas

Stéphane Pachot, Sébastien Jallade et Aurélia Frey discovered the Q'ewar project in 2007, during their trip to Peru. The Q'ewar Project is a a social work initiative begun in early 2002, situated in in a small town outside Cuzco in the rural highlands of the Andes Mountains.

Working with the indigenous women of the village community of Andahuaylillas, the Project is engaged in creating an atmosphere which fosters self-esteem, personal growth and a way to gain economic independence through learning skills in a humane and respectful working environment.

"Q'ewar is looking to produce items of quality, using only natural materials, handmade. Incorporated into the designs of our sweaters, we hope to recover some of the ancient pre-Colombian motifs and the production techniques of our ancestors. As time passes in the development of this social work, we will also be using ancient techniques for color dying alpaca and wool fibers, utilizing indigenous plants and insects." explains Julio Herrera, the initiator of the Project.

"The basic motivation that led to this social initiative stems from the acknowledgement that we are brothers to the women and men worst affected by their destiny and assuming responsibility for helping our society overcome ignorance and racism. We are searching for ways that will bring balance to the social injustices all around us."

The Doll Making Process
From the pure woolly innards to the finely crafted traditional clothing, a Q’ewar doll is a work of art from start to finish. It takes five days to craft a Q’ewar doll and each one is unique!