Gisella, our head of Peru, and Paka scholars. Noemi is wearing her traditional dress Gisella, our head of Peru, and Paka scholars. Noemi is wearing her traditional dress

Basecamp

Celebrating Women’s Day

Nohemi Mamani Puma has woven her life's story into a tapestry of resilience, tradition, and dreams. At 25 years old, Nohemi is not only a talented Quechua weaver but also a beacon of inspiration.

At the core of Paka is the pursuit to improve the lives of women in Peru. We know that investing in women creates lasting positive impacts throughout communities. That’s why we’ve committed to women weavers in Peru since the very beginning of Paka, incorporating a hand-woven Inca ID into nearly all our pieces. Each of these is a piece of rich history and art that women like Nohemi are proud to share. This year, as we celebrate Women’s Day, we are pleased to introduce you to Nohemi - we hope she inspires you the way she inspires our team.

Two quechua women weaving at the sunset

Early Life In Taucca

Raised by her mother alongside three siblings, Nohemi grew up in the heart of Chinchero, nestled in the Taucca Community of the Urubamba Province in Cusco, Peru. There, she helped her family graze sheep and tend to llamas. While it was a dream of her and her sisters to pursue an education, they didn’t have the financial means and were told as women this wasn’t a path forward. "They told us that men could study, but not women, not yet," said Nohemi.

They told us that men could study, but not women, not yet.

Nohemi Mamani Puma

Hands of a Quechua woman weaving colorful blanket Hands of a Quechua woman weaving colorful blanket
Hands of a Quechua woman weaving colorful blanket Hands of a Quechua woman weaving colorful blanket

Learning To Weave

At the early age of eight, Nohemi learned the art of weaving from her mother. This passed-down knowledge is a beautiful and honored part of Nohemi’s culture, and each member of the community. “Weaving is part of our history, weaving was born together with us,” describes Nohemi. “When a baby is born, he or she is wrapped up with a sash, so weaving becomes a part of each of us. And when we die, we are also buried with the weaving,”

For Nohemi, weaving is more than an art form; it's a cultural inheritance that was fading away. She takes immense pride in reviving and preserving these ancestral weavings, viewing them as an integral part of her identity, from birth to burial.

"Weaving is part of our history, weaving was born together with us. When a baby is born, he or she is wrapped up with a sash, so weaving becomes a part of each of us. And when we die, we are also buried with the weaving." - Nohemi

Hands of a Quechua woman weaving colorful blanket Hands of a Quechua woman weaving colorful blanket

"Weaving is part of our history, weaving was born together with us. When a baby is born, he or she is wrapped up with a sash, so weaving becomes a part of each of us. And when we die, we are also buried with the weaving." - Nohemi

A smiling Quechua woman weaving alpaca fiber. She's wearing her traditional red dress A smiling Quechua woman weaving alpaca fiber. She's wearing her traditional red dress
Gisella, our head of Peru and Noemi, one of our scholars wearing her traditional dress, talking in a park

Education And Aspirations

Being part of PAKA has uplifted Nohemi economically and fueled her determination to pursue higher education. Currently, she’s studying tourism. She plans to use her skills to share weaving with more people and explore forgotten techniques of weaving, like tapestry, ensuring the survival of these ancient arts. "Ancestral weavings that were lost, we are recovering. I hope to recover more and more. For me weaving is the most beautiful thing," she says.

As Nohemi envisions the future, she dreams of motivating young generations to embrace their cultural heritage, urging them not to abandon the traditions that define their identity.

Ancestral weavings that were lost, we are recovering. I hope to recover more and more. For me weaving is the most beautiful thing.

Nohemi Mamani Puma

Noemi, one of our scholars wearing her traditional dress showing a big smile Noemi, one of our scholars wearing her traditional dress showing a big smile

Gratitude And Encouragement

In a heartfelt message to the Paka community and those who appreciate their crafts worldwide, Nohemi expresses gratitude and encourages further curiosity and exploration. She invites everyone to delve deeper into the art of weaving, emphasizing its profound connection to their history and culture.


Nohemi's story resonates as a testament to the strength of Quechua women, their ability to overcome obstacles, and their commitment to preserving traditions. As we celebrate Women's Day, Nohemi Mamani Puma stands tall, a symbol of empowerment and cultural resilience in the heart of Peru.

A white alpaca and his herd looking at the camera

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A women wearing The Vida hugging two alpacas