About Peruvian Crafts
Established in 1987 and located in the historic What Cheer House in Old Sacramento, Peruvian Crafts is Northern California’s original Peruvian specialty store — dedicated to celebrating the artistry, textiles, and cultural traditions of Peru.
For nearly four decades, we have worked directly with artisan families across Peru to bring handcrafted goods, alpaca apparel, jewelry, and cultural pieces to our community. What sets us apart is not only what we offer, but how we source it — through longstanding relationships built on trust, respect, and authenticity.
We are honored to be recognized as an official licensee of Marca País Perú and Alpaca del Perú — national seals of quality and authenticity granted by Peru’s official export promotion authority to entities that represent the country, its values, and its heritage with integrity.
We are also an official distributor of KUNA, Peru’s leading and internationally recognized alpaca brand, offering premium alpaca collections alongside our traditional handicrafts and artisan-made goods.
Through both our historic storefront and expanding online presence, we continue our mission: to serve as a bridge between Peru and The United States — honoring the artisans behind every piece while sharing the beauty of Peruvian culture with a new generation.
Maria "Nelly" Duenas
Peruvian Entrepreneur & Artisan Advocate
Before there was a storefront in California, there was María walking through markets and knocking on workshop doors in Peru.
She preferred to choose pieces herself. To meet the families. To sit at their tables and talk. To understand who had woven the textile or carved the figure before bringing it back to her shop. For her, it was never about simply selling souvenirs — it was about respecting the craft and the people behind it.
When life brought her to the United States, she found herself far from home. She missed the colors, the textures, the feeling of walking through a Peruvian market. In 1987, she opened Peruvian Crafts in Old Sacramento not just to start a business, but to keep that connection alive — to create a space where Peru could be felt, not just seen.
What began as a way to stay connected to her roots slowly became something larger. Today, many of the artisan families she first worked with decades ago are still part of the store’s story — a quiet reflection of the relationships she built and never let go.
Our Journey
Roots in Peru
María Dueñas began a small artisan business in Peru, offering handcrafted goods that reflected the rich traditions of the Andes. What started as a modest venture would soon grow beyond its local roots.
Honoring the Hands Behind the Craft
As artisan shops multiplied across Peru, María chose a different path — visiting workshops and family homes to source pieces directly from their makers. Her relationship-driven approach set her apart and became the foundation of the business.
Establishing Peruvian Crafts in California
After relocating to California, María founded Peruvian Crafts in Old Sacramento. One of the first Peruvian specialty stores of its kind in the state, it became a bridge connecting Northern California to Peru’s traditions, textiles, and artistry.
Entering the Digital Era
After more than three decades as a trusted importer and retailer of Peruvian goods, Peruvian Crafts entered the digital era. With the next generation carrying forward María’s vision, the company expanded into e-commerce — bringing artisan craftsmanship and alpaca apparel to customers worldwide.
Official Marca Perú Licensee
Peruvian Crafts was recognized as an official licensee of Marca País Perú — a national seal of authenticity and quality affirming its commitment to representing Peruvian culture with integrity.
Launch of The Peruvian Collective
In 2026, Peruvian Crafts introduced its in-house brands — including Peruvian Crafted and Qori Qompi — as distinct brand identities available nationwide through The Peruvian Collective. What began as a single storefront evolved into a multi-brand platform uniting heritage handicrafts, elevated baby alpaca apparel, and luxury fiber collections under one growing vision.