Ayni, Inc.

Preserving Heritage in Ayacucho, Peru

Fermin Aybar exemplifies the relentless pursuit of preserving and advancing Andean textile crafts. He was raised in an artistic household and began practicing art at the age of 13. With an unwavering commitment to the social and cultural ancestry of the ancient Incas and diverse Peruvian civilizations like Paracas-Wari, Fermin’s hands create a story that spans generations. In his workshop, where he works alongside his wife and daughter, four pedal looms breathe life into each creation, utilizing hand-spun sheep and alpaca wool fibers to create innovative designs.

The heartbeat of Fermin’s art lies in the dyeing process that goes into creating color gradients, where natural plants from the Andean region, such as tara, molle, cochineal, and walnut infuse rich hues into the yarn. The special motifs embedded in Fermin’s artwork mirror the ancestral techniques of the Incas and the varied cultures that shaped ancient Peru.

As he weaves, Fermin ensures that each creation is a cultural dialogue between the past and the present. The warp of his loom, crafted with natural Peruvian cotton, stands as a bridge, linking tradition with innovation.