Ayacucho has been known for its fine textiles for thousands of years, and the tradition is alive today. Herders high in the Andes raise alpaca and sheep for meat and fiber. Women hand spin the fiber into yarn. Weaving families in the Santa Ana district of Ayacucho collect dye plants, dye the yarn in small lots, then transform it into timeless works of art that draw upon ancient motifs. These families have a tradition of weaving that has been passed down for generations.

ANFASEP was founded in 1983 to uphold the human rights of people who were victimized by the violent conflict between the Shining Path movement and the Peruvian government during the 1980s and 90s. During this era, hundreds of families suffered killings, kidnappings, and disappearances. The members of ANFASEP are the surviving victims of Ayacucho, the birthplace and center of the conflict. They are primarily indigenous Quechua speaking widows, orphans and youth. With assistance from Ayni, the women elders, respectfully called "mamas", have begun creating unique needle-felted cards to sell for much needed cash income. Proceeds from sales of a card go directly to the "mama" who made it.