These Peruvian women left the Amazon, but their homeland still inspires their songs and crafts

LIMA, Peru — Sadith Silvano’s crafts are born from ancient songs. “When we paint, we listen to the inspiration that comes from the music and connect to nature, to our elders,” said Silvano, 36, from her home and workshop in Lima, Peru, where she moved two decades ago from Paoyhan, a Shipibo-Konibo Indigenous community nestled in the Amazon. “Every design tells a story,” said Silvano, dressed in traditional clothing, her head crowned by a beaded garment. “It’s our protector, like a god that cares for us and provides food and water.” In ancient times, she said, her people believed that the sun was their father and the anacondas were their guardians. “I like it when a foreigner comes and leaves with something from my community,” said Silvano, touching one of her freshly painted textiles to bless it for a quick sale.