Sacred Altar of the Apus | Baby Alpaca K'uychi Jacket KU078
One-of-a-kind cropped jacket handwoven in the Peruvian Andes
Made from 100% ethically sourced baby alpaca wool & fur
Woven with prayer using ancestral Andean techniques
Designed for ceremony, ritual, and refined everyday wear
Ethically and directly sourced through reciprocal partnerships
K'uychi Jackets are handwoven in the Andes from 100% ethically sourced baby alpaca. Sacred Altar of the Apus (KU078) is a warm sand-beige and ivory cream cropped jacket woven with toasted camel geometric motifs, framed by plush ivory baby alpaca fur along the collar and cuffs and finished with a hand-stitched brown and cream hem trim. Each jacket is created with ancestral Andean weaving techniques by Indigenous women who carry the lineage of their people through thread.
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Symbolism
This K'uychi jacket is woven with sacred symbols drawn from Quechua cosmology:
- Inka Mesa Q'epe (Incan Ceremonial Altar) – Detailed geometric grids and crossed motifs represent the sacred offering table where Pacchanta families arrange illas and enqas to honor the Apus and Pachamama.
- Qochakuna & Apukuna (Lagoons and Apus) – Concentric diamond lagoons framed by triangular mountain peaks illustrate the sacred bond between the people of Pacchanta and the protective Apus watching over the horizon.
- Tawa Qocha (Four Lagoons) – Balanced four-diamond medallions woven along the sleeves honor the four high-mountain lagoons that sustain daily life and ceremonial rituals.
Learn more in our Symbol Guide.
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Inspiration
K’uychi is the Quechua word for “rainbow.” In Andean cosmology, the rainbow is a bridge between dimensions: connecting the world above (Hanan Pacha) with the world below (Ukhu Pacha), while passing through the realm of human experience. K'uychi is an active force within the cosmos—a dynamic presence that is powerful, life-giving, protective, and beautiful.
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Craftsmanship & Materials
- 100% ethically sourced baby alpaca wool and fur
- Sourced from woman-led herds of the Ayni Mantay Association in Peru
- Woven on a traditional handloom in Pacchanta, at the foot of Ausangate
- Hand-stitched decorative hem trim and plush fur cuff & collar finish
- One-of-a-kind heirloom; no two pieces are ever the same
Each thread carries prayer, intention, and memory—woven with care by our Quechua sisters who are guardians of their ancestral craft.
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Fit & Styling
K’uychi Jackets are versatile, elegant, handwoven, and made to be worn across seasons and settings. Style it with:
- A linen dress and sandals for summer ritual wear
- Warm wool layers for ceremony in colder climates
- Over your yoga attire, or with denim and boots for casual adornment
- Paired with a full-length dress and wide-brim hat for a statement occasion
This piece honors your body temple. Let it move with you, evolve with you, and remind you of your connection to the sacred.
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Care Instructions
To preserve your piece:
- Dry clean—or hang outside in the sun. Alpaca is a highly intuitive self-cleaning fiber that works with the elements to return to its original form.
- Gently spot clean with a soft, damp cloth for minor spills.
- These items were not intended to be stored in closed closets. We recommend displaying them as living home art in between uses. As with any natural wool, protect from moths.
Each jacket comes with care instructions and smoothing tools.
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Impact & Reciprocity
When you purchase a K’uychi Jacket, you are directly supporting Indigenous women artisans in Peru through our upfront-pay model rooted in Ayni (sacred reciprocity). You’re investing in living economies, ancestral preservation, and slow fashion that tells a story.
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Shipping & Exchanges
Ships from the U.S. within 3–5 business days unless placing a pre-order. Exchanges or store credit available within 7 days of delivery. Read our Return & Exchange Policy for details.