A cultural revival project uncovering the ancient legacy of Peruvian cotton

The Codex of Cotton (also known as Códice de Algodón)  is a cultural, educational and research initiative, that seeks to reconnect the modern world with the ancient legacy of cotton as both a sacred and practical element of human history— especially in Peru, the birthplace of the finest cotton on Earth: Pima.
For thousands of years cotton has been more than just a fabric in Peru—it has been a sacred thread woven into the spiritual, agricultural and artistic life of civilizations such as the Moche, Nazca, Wari and Inca. From naturally pigmented fibers to intricate dyeing processes using native plants and from ceremonial textiles to everyday garments, Peruvian cotton tells a story of ingenuity, identity and ecological harmony.

Our mission is to uncover, document and share this story with the world.
Rooted in Andean heritage and sustainability, the Codex of Cotton explores the intersection of traditional fiber arts, skin health and environmental stewardship. It highlights the role of natural fibers like Pima cotton in responsible fashion, while also advocating for textile choices that are hypoallergenic and skin-friendly.
Key Themes & Activities of Codex of Cotton:
  • Historical & Cultural Storytelling:
    • The Codex will feature a series of educational articles on the rich history of Peruvian cotton and textile traditions, created in collaboration with museums and cultural institutions in Peru. These stories will illuminate the importance of cotton in ancient civilizations like the Chavín, Moche and Inca, exploring their agricultural wisdom, artisan techniques and spiritual connections to fiber.
    • Scientific & Health Research:
      Codex of Cotton is reaching out to organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to co-author research and educational content on the dermatological benefits of natural vs. synthetic fibers. This includes understanding how synthetics may cause skin irritation, rashes or chemical absorption and how organic cotton may protect and support sensitive skin.
      Environmental Collaborations:
      Codex of Cotton shares synergy with groups like The Microfibre Consortium, promoting awareness of microfiber pollution from synthetic textiles. Together, there is potential to advocate for fiber fragmentation reduction, sustainable textile design and fiber impact transparency in the fashion industry.

    • Natural Dyeing Advocacy:
      In partnership with the Natural Dyeing Association and Natural Dyes International, Codex of Cotton supports traditional and modern plant-, mineral-, and insect-based dyeing practices that are safe for ecosystems and workers. Planned collaborations include workshops, visual media and community projects involving natural dye artisans and scientists across Peru and beyond.

    • Public Awareness & Exhibitions:
      Through campaigns, video storytelling and interactive educational content, the Codex invites consumers, designers and policy-makers to explore slow fashion, ethical sourcing and the cultural significance of natural materials.

By honoring the past, we inspire more thoughtful ways of making, wearing and living in harmony with the earth.

Below are some of the esteemed organizations that have already been invited to collaborate with us on this initiative:

  • Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú – Lima
  • Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI) – Lima
  • Museo Inka – Cusco
  • Museo de Arte Precolombino (Museum of Pre-Columbian Art) – Lima
  • Museo Larco – Lima
  • Textile Society of America (TSA) – USA
  • Andean Textile Arts (ATA) – USA
  • American Anthropological Association (AAA) – USA
  • Society for Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology (SLACA) – USA
  • International Council of Museums (ICOM) – Global
  • Textile Museum – USA
  • National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) – USA
  • Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia (UBC) – Canada
  • Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) – Global
  • Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) – Global
  • Fashion Revolution – Global
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – Global
  • Textile Exchange – USA
  • Cotton Connect – UK, India, China
  • Sustainable Cotton Project – USA
  • Slow Fashion Movement – Global
  • Fair Trade Federation (FTF) – USA
  • Natural Dyeing Association (NDA) – USA
  • European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) – EU
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – United States
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) – Global
  • The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – United States
  • The Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP) – United States
  • The Plastic Pollution Coalition – Global
  • The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – European Union
  • The Textile Research Centre (TRC) – Netherlands

     

  • The Microfibre Consortium – Global (based in the UK)

    National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – United States