ELÍAS CASAS

Location: Huancayo, Peru
Altitude: approx. 3,250 masl
Province: Huancayo
Region: Junín
Elias is a Peruvian artisan and expert in maquinask’a embroidery, a technique that combines mechanical tools with the precision and sensitivity of hand-guided craftsmanship. Originally from the region of Junín, his work is deeply connected to the cultural traditions of the central Andes.
In 2012, Elias migrated with his family from Junín to Lima in search of better opportunities, following a path shared by many Peruvians who move to the capital with the hope of building a more stable future. During this period, embroidery became not only his main source of income but also the foundation upon which he built his identity as an artisan.
Through years of dedication, he established his own embroidery workshop, which he named after his children, Daniel & Miguel—a reflection of the importance of family as both motivation and legacy in his journey. Within this space, he refined his technique and continued to produce traditional embroidery, preserving the visual language and cultural symbolism of his heritage.
Despite the opportunities found in the city, Elias ultimately made the decision to return to Huancayo. This return was driven not only by personal reasons but by a deeper sense of belonging. Back in his homeland, surrounded by familiar landscapes and cultural roots, he found a renewed sense of happiness and purpose.
Today, Elias continues his work from Huancayo, where his craft remains both his livelihood and a meaningful expression of identity. His story reflects a cycle shared by many artisans—migration, adaptation, and return—highlighting the enduring connection between territory, culture, and well-being.