Intricate Deluxe Carved Gourd

Description

An extraordinary one-of-a-kind piece of art, a very detailed hand-carved gourd representing centuries of traditions in Peru. Originally used as ornate water vessels for ceremonial offerings to the Incas, gourds today depict the everyday life of the Peruvian Campesino.

In the village of Chochas Chico, near Huancayo, each gourd is dried before work can begin by the Artesano. A pipe, made from hollow Eucalyptus branches is used.

The branch is put in the fire, and when hot air is blown through, the gourd is scorched. Later it is intricately carved using typical woodworking tools.