Make Dreams Come True, Send a Weaver to Peru

THE BIG DREAM!

We have a dream, its a big dream but we want to take 8 weavers (more if possible) to Peru. Laos to Peru….that’s literally the other side of the world. Wait!!!! let me check that. So if you go this website – its pretty cool – and type in Luang Prabang Laos, the opposite side is….. Wait hold on…it’s the coast of peru… WOW!! We really are going to the other side of the world.

“My dream, to travel the world, to represent Lao culture – I’m an ambassador for Lao culture – for my traditions” Mrs Kieng – Ock Pop Tok Master Weaver

But why Peru? So in November this year, an Artisan Hero called Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez of the Andean Textile Arts Group is organising a 4 day conference of weavers. This conference will bring people that are interested in handmade, textiles, anthropology, weaving together. It will also bring artisans from around the world together. Being part of a global community of artisans is very important. For the last 9 years weavers from the Ock Pop Tok team have attended the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, USA. The resonating sentiment from this event is about how our weavers feel part of a global movement and and the ramifications here are that this empowers them.

As American writer John Gardner said “We know that where community exists it confers upon its members identity, a sense of belonging, and a measure of security. . . . Communities are the ground-level generators and preservers of values and ethical systems.”

• So thats why Peru. To be part of a community that shares our values.

START SMALL

We have started making a Lao version of a dream catcher. This is a Prayer Flag that Tai Lue families make and give to temples to make their dreams and wishes come true. They are called a Pha Tung in Laos, made from bamboo and cotton.

All proceeds from sales go towards sending weavers to Peru. Starting at $26.25. Keyrings at $4.

So buy a prayer flag or contribute to our crowdfunding campaign on Indegogo here to help us realize this dream.