Our Process

Behind many Ama Nomad products lies a long process that is steeped in tradition and untouched by modern technology.

The techniques that our artisans use to make our textiles are part of the fabric of heritage throughout the world. Our artisans work with 100% baby alpaca which is a naturally sustainable material as well as working with different blends of baby alpaca.

The process of knitting and weaving begins with the people who care for and protect the community’s livestock. The alpaca farmers live upwards of 15,000 feet in the mountains. The fleece is first selected and washed, then the fibres are hand-spun with a spindle and finally, the yarn is twisted and turned it into a two-threaded string. Our finer fibers will go to a processing stage to be spun into very fine thread to make our beautiful wraps.

Our artisans typically use natural pigments obtained from plants, flowers, vegetables and smoke - and sometimes anilines are added (mineral dyes) to create more intense colours. Their dye vats and looms close to their homes so they can take care of their other daily duties and watch their children. 

The up-cycled fabrics used in our event earrings are made from back strap weaving - one of the most difficult weaving techniques. Known as a brocade, this ancient art form of weaving is practiced among the indigenous people living in the mountains of Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Guatemala. Each community has its own weaving technique, which in turn gives the Ama Nomad event earring collections their own regional character.