MEET "LAS MAMAS"
Hortencia, Zaida and Ellia
Their work centers on embroidery and handcrafted accessories—jewelry, purses, keychains, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings—often made from natural seeds believed to offer protection and bring good luck. They also create traditional Shipibo dolls.
They are among the elders of Cantagallo—deeply respected, resilient women. They do not read or write and speak only limited Spanish, yet they have built lives in Lima and are grateful to finally have a voice. For many years, they lived on the margins, quietly witnessing a rapidly changing world and the rise of technology. They own cell phones but use them only minimally.
They have shared that they long carried a sense of shame for not having attended school, which made adapting to modern life more challenging. Their knowledge is entirely experiential, rooted in lived tradition. Despite the hardships they’ve faced, they are incredibly warm and joyful—quick to laugh, with a contagious sense of humor.
HORTENSIA
Hortencia was born in the community of Junin Pablo in 1963. She moved to Cantagallo in 2000. She was only 12 years old when her grand-mother began teaching her the arts of embroidery, Kene, pottery making.
ZEIDA
Zaida was born in the community of Cakco in 1971. She moved to Cantagallo in 2000. Her grand-mother and her mother both taught her Kene, embroidery, jewerly making
ELLIA
Elia was born in the community of Puerto Bethel in 1959. She was only 6 when her mother began teaching her the arts of Shipibo designs and Kene. She moved to Cantagallo in 2000.
