Bridging Peru’s Indigenous Women to Modernity.
How women of the Shipibo-Konibo community are using their traditional skills to succeed in the modern world.
Deep in the Amazon rainforest of Peru, on the banks of the Ucayali River, live the Shipibo-Konibo indigenous community. From generation to generation, the women of this community have been possessing the traditional skills of embroidery, weaving, hand-dying and painting inherited from their forefathers.
Today, these talented women are using their artistic talents to connect the past with the future. They blend traditional techniques with modern designs to create geometrically patterned art, richly cooled textiles and distinctive jewellery. By establishing a business known as “Sanken Beka”, these women fulfil their dream of sharing their handiwork with the world. Translated as “bright woman”, Sanken Beka is not only a business, but also a symbol of their community’s cultural identity and economic success.
Successes with USAID assistance:
With the help of USAID/Peru and Sidro Peru’s Alliance Amazon project, sunken unemployed women have acquired important skills such as financial management, product sales and digital marketing. This knowledge has helped them run their business successfully and gain national and international recognition.
Cultural Preservation and Women Empowerment:
Sunken Baker’s story is not only a business success story, but an inspiring example of resistance, cultural preservation and women’s empowerment. These brilliant women have shown that tradition and innovation can move forward together, creating a brighter future for their communities.
Blending modernity with tradition:
At Sanken Beka, traditional techniques are blended with modern designs to create geometrically patterned art, richly coloured textiles and distinctive Jewlery. These unique products quickly gained worldwide popularity and made Sunken Beca one of the most successful indigenous-owned businesses in Peru.
Driving force behind success:
These talented women are the driving force behind Sunken Baker’s success. Their skills, perseverance and creativity are what have brought their business this far. However, they could not have embarked on this journey alone. Support from organizations such as USAID/Peru and the Alliance Amazon Project of Cidro Peru has been instrumental in achieving their business goals.
Sustaining Cultural Heritage: Sanken Beka is not just a business; it is a cultural movement. Through this business, the Shipibo-Konior community shares their traditional knowledge and skills with the world
Successes with USAID assistance:
With the help of USAID/Peru and Sidro Peru’s Alliance Amazon project, sunken unemployed women have acquired important skills such as financial management, product sales and digital marketing. This knowledge has helped them run their business successfully and gain national and international recognition.
Sunken Baker women use their traditional skills of embroidery, weaving, hand-dying and painting to create geometrically patterned art, richly colored textiles and distinctive jewellery. These indigenous Peruvian women have been able to use their artistic talents to sustain traditions and create a brighter future for their communities. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to others who strive to preserve their own culture and heritage.
Sunken Baker’s story is not only a business success story, but an inspiring example of resistance, cultural preservation and women’s empowerment. These brilliant women have shown that tradition and innovation can move forward together, creating a brighter future for their communities.
