Andean Mestana Cloth

Peruvian Andean Mestana Altar. This durable mestana fabric is handwoven and features traditional Peruvian Andean motifs on its vertical bands.
The traditional mestana fabric represents the design of the Chakana (Andean Cross) in light and dark colors that alternate different red tones. The word chakana is of Quechua origin, since it was a symbol widely used by the Inca culture, it clearly refers to the concept of «ladder», the symbol itself is a «tawa chakana», that is, a four-sided ladder. Many of the typical shapes used by Andean artisans contain the geometric relationships marked by the chacana. The chacana also indicates the four seasons of the year and the times of sowing and harvesting. Some Andean peoples celebrate May 3 as Chacana Day, because on this day, the Southern Cross assumes the astronomical shape of a perfect cross and is a sign of harvest time. The southern cross was venerated by ancient inhabitants of Peru and, to this day, the tradition of protecting crops by marking the cultivated area with various chakanas is maintained. This symbol has nothing to do with the Christian cross. Woven with threads, this cloth will hold the sacred stones on the table or display on your altar. 50x50cm.
The ribbon shown in the photo is not included.