Fig. 42 — Rug weaver at Cotahuasi. The industry is limited to a small group of 

 related families, living in the Cotahuasi Canyon near Cotahuasi. The rugs are made 

 of alpaca wool. Pure black, pure white, and various shades of mixed gray wool are 

 employed. The result is that the rugs have " fast " colors that always retain their 

 original contrasts. They are made only to order at the homes of the purchasers. The 

 money payment is small, but to it is added board and lodging, besides tobacco, liqueurs, 

 and wine. Before drinking they dip their finger-tips in the wine and sprinkle the 

 earth " that it may be fruitful,"' the air " that it may be warm," the rug " that it may 

 turn out well," and finally themselves, making the sign of the cross. Then they set 

 to work. 



