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Inter-American Trading is a small family-owned importer & wholesaler of folk art, musical instruments, jewelry, cotton & alpaca clothing & accessories from the Andean Countries of Peru & Bolivia. We are dedicated to supporting indigenous people through the private enterprise system & buying directly from the Artesanos who produce our products. All our merchandise is produced in an environmentally sound manner and is made from high-quality natural materials by native artisans. Through your orders, you are helping Latin American families.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
In Latin America traditionally not a great deal of importance is given to the making of ethnic crafts. These products are produced by indigenous populations considered to be lower class. With no local market, most production is exported to North America, Europe, and Japan.
Latin Artesanos depend on companies like ours, who have access to these markets and are willing to pay a fair price.
While the dollar figure does not amount to much when compared to traditional exports, such as agriculture, this commerce has a tremendous impact on their lives. For example, over 50% of the people in Peru make at least part of their income from the sale of their crafts.
Jesús Sanchez Avendaño: Jesús began practicing the art of ceramics at the young age of 13. He continued his studies at the C.E.O, Centro de Educación Ocupacional in Ayacucho, where his father was a professor. Jesus has 2 beautiful daughters, Beatris, 19, and Michelle 14, and has been working with IAT for nearly 15 years. He was discovered by my daughter Alex while she was visiting Peru. Jesús creates many of the products in our Day of the Dead product line.
Dina Apaza Apaza Dina has had her store since 2005 when she inherited it from her parents. Dina has two children and is currently expecting another child. She hopes that one day they will take over the business much like what she did. Dina has been working with IAT for 20 years and produces many items in our Llama, Alpaca & Vicuña product line.
Leonardo Quispe Mamani: Has been married to his wife Alodia Velarde Flores for over 40 years. They moved to Arequipa, and have 2 sons; one a doctor and the other a lawyer. Starting their business in 1992 they are both so appreciative of what his business has been able to provide for his family. Working together for several years Leonardo and Alodia provide us with many of our Alpaca fur and replica products.
Josefina Roque Huacasi: Josefina will not divulge her age and jokes that she began her craft since the “Cuna” or cradle. Currently living in Arequipa Josefina & her husband Jose have 2 children, Jose Dario, 10, and Esmeralda, 12. Working together for just over 3 years, they provide us with many of our Alpaca Products.
Claudio Jimenez Quizpe: His first language is Quechua, the language of the Inca people. His father, Florentino Jimenez Tom
