Traditional Andean Clothing Peru

Throughout human history, clothing has played a very important role in societies around the world. Since, beyond their aesthetic function, they have served to protect themselves from the climate, identify with a social group or express their beliefs and traditions. Therefore, Peru is not excluded from this context, since in this country traditional clothing not only reflects the cultural richness of the country, but also tells stories that go back thousands of years.

Beyond aesthetics: The practical function of traditional clothing

Although traditional Peruvian clothing stands out for its vibrant colors and unique designs, its origin lies in two basic needs that Peruvians consider important: protection and identity.

• Protection: Traditional garments were designed to adapt to the climatic conditions of each region. On the coast, for example, loose, light cotton clothing was ideal to combat the heat, while, in the Andes such as Cuzco, wool ponchos and chullos provided shelter in the cold of the mountains.
• Identity: Clothing also served as a social marker, as specific colors, patterns, and accessories could indicate a person’s background, social status, or even religious beliefs.

A tour of the traditional clothing of Peru

In the different regions of ancient Peru, the clothing of the populations that inhabited these places varied for different reasons: climate, identity and their beliefs. That being the case, here we tell you a little about the peru traditional clothing in each region:

• Coast: In the coastal area, cotton was king. Women wore baggy shirts and long skirts, while men wore loose shirts and pants. Light colors and floral prints were common.
• Sierra: In the highlands, sheep, alpaca Peru and vicuña wool was essential to combat the cold. Ponchos, chullos and blankets were key garments, for both men and women. Bright colors and geometric patterns characterized Andean clothing.
• Jungle: In the jungle, the humidity and heat demanded light and cool clothing. Women wore long tunics and loincloths, while men wore loincloths or shorts. Earth colors and designs inspired by nature predominated in the region.

History of Inca Clothing

The Incas naturally wore different clothing depending on the altitude at which they lived. In previous times, the pre-Inca peoples of the coastal regions used cotton and in the Andean regions, the different ethnic groups used wool. But from very early on, trade made both materials available everywhere, so when the Incas settled in the Andes, they had both cotton and wool.
On the other hand, Inca clothing varied depending on their position in the social structure. In the case of men, they wore simple tunics that reached just above the waist and on their feet they wore grass, wool or leather sandals; On the other hand, the women wore ankle-length skirts and generally with a braided waistband. In fact, they wore a cap on their heads and held their hair with a folded piece of cloth.

Dress for the Inca Emperor

The Sapa Inca, as the highest authority of the empire, wore a long, wide tunic called unku, made with the best vicuña wool and decorated with geometric and symbolic motifs. He also wore a topayo, a wide sash that cinched his waist, and a llautu, a turban that symbolized his power.
The Inca emperor, also known as Sapa Inca, wore elegant and decorated clothing, thanks to the “Acllas” or chosen women who were responsible for making his clothing. In his traditional Inca Clothes, the emperor wore the following:

• A special headdress with a gold fringe and feathers of different types.
• A coat decorated with jewels and turquoise pieces.
• Shoes made of leather and skin.
• Around his head, he wore a turban of multicolored folds called “llautu”, adorned with a fringe of scarlet tassels and two erect feathers.
• He wore gold and jewelry on various parts of his body, including heavy shoulder pads, bracelets, and gold earrings.
• He carried the royal shield and insignia. The shield on his chest was engraved with an image of the inti sun god and the insignia was made of hummingbird feathers framed with gold.

Dress for the Inca Nobility

The nobility was made up of the Sapa Inca’s relatives, whether by blood or marriage, as well as his wives and children. The nobles wore rich and colorful Incan clothing, although not as much as the emperor, likewise, their clothes were made with the finest wool, dyed and decorated with gold and other precious stones. The nobles also wore the llautu, adorned with a fringe of tassels, and could use feathers from the corequenque bird or mountain caracara, and even, on occasions, garments made with its feathers (these birds were reserved exclusively for supplying the royal headdress).

Body Adornments

Inca leaders, priests and warriors used to paint their faces, arms and legs to indicate their rank. In the case of the Inca emperor, he wore woven hats decorated with gold and wool tassels, or crowned with striking feathers; On the other hand, men wore feather decorations, such as diadems that became feather crowns, necklaces around the neck, and chest coverings.
In addition, the richest Incas wore large gold and silver pendants on their chests, discs in their hair and shoes, and bands on their arms and wrists. Instead, Inca women simply used a metal clasp called a tupu to fasten their cloak.

Traditional Peruvian Clothing

Each nation cultivates a unique culture and traditions in areas such as music, dance and activities such as agriculture and fishing, and of course, also stands out for its distinctive clothing. Traditional Peruvian clothing is not a simple fashion, but an essential part of Andean culture that was inherited from generation to generation. A clear example of this traditional clothing is the iconic Peruvian hat known as chullo or the poncho, an outer garment used to keep the body warm that has become a representative symbol of our country and its customs.

Below are some of the most representative garments worn by men and women in the Andean region:

The tipical closthing of Peru for the women are the following:

• LLICLLA: The lliclla is a traditional cape worn by Andean women. This hand-woven garment covers the back and shoulders, and is secured in front with a pin called tupu. In addition to providing warmth, llicllas are used to carry children on the back and both men and women can use them to transport heavy items.
• CHUMPI: The chumpi is a garment that is used to hold clothes at the waist and its name comes from Quechua, meaning belt. Women use it to adjust their skirts or wrap babies, while men use it to hold up pants or support heavy loads.
• JOBONA: The jobona is a traditional wool jacket, decorated with colored buttons, worn by Andean women under the lliclla.
• MONTERAS: The montera is a traditional Andean hat made of rigid fabric, which can be round or rectangular, it is secured under the chin with a woven strap called Sanq’apa, decorated with white beads.
• POLLERAS: Polleras are typical Andean skirts worn by rural women, made with sheep or alpaca wool. They are thick, wide, loose and gathered, and adorned with a colorful band called Puyto.
• OJOTAS: The flip flops, known in Quechua as usuta or ushuta, are the most common footwear in the Andean region since pre-Inca times. They have a leather or vegetable fiber sole and three straps, two for the heel and one between the big and index toes.

The cultural clothing of Peru for men are the follwing:

• PONCHO: This is a folded piece of cloth (or two pieces of cloth joined together) designed to be placed over the head or wrapped around the body. It is one of the oldest alpaca garments in existence.
• CHULLO: The chullo is the emblematic Andean hat with ear flaps, it is handmade with sheep, peru llama or alpaca wool. Depending on the place of manufacture, the colors, figures, motifs and shapes align with local traditions and customs.
• CHUMPI: The chumpi is a garment that is used to hold clothes at the waist and its name comes from Quechua language, meaning belt.
• OJOTAS: The flip flops, known in Quechua as usuta or ushuta, are the most common footwear in the Andean region since pre-Inca times. They have a leather or vegetable fiber sole and three straps, two for the heel and one between the big and index toes.