Nilda Callañaupa

Peruvian Quechua leader preserving indigenous textiles through economic empowerment

Nilda Callañaupa (b. 1966) is a Quechua textile artist and founder of Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco. Born in the Andean highlands of Peru, she grew up mastering ancestral weaving techniques that were at risk of disappearing due to industrialization. In 1996, she established the Center to preserve these traditions while creating sustainable livelihoods for indigenous women. The organization has trained over 3,000 weavers in 12 Quechua communities, establishing fair-trade networks that now generate $2.5 million annually in direct income for artisans.

Callañaupa's innovation lies in integrating cultural preservation with economic development. She developed the Machu Picchu Textile Route, connecting remote communities with tourists through certified cultural exchanges. Her collaboration with the UNESCO led to the 2019 designation of Quechua weaving as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Center's apprentice program has produced 150+ master weavers who now teach globally, with exhibitions at the Met Museum (2017) and Victoria and Albert Museum (2020).