- Wall Decor (1879)
- Decor Accessories (2786)
- Tableware (0)
- Holiday Decor & Ornaments (0)
- Outdoor Living (0)
- Pillows & Throws (432)
- Furniture (185)
- Musical Instruments (0)
- Baskets (0)
- Chess Sets Games (0)
- Jewelry Boxes (0)
- Kitchen & Dining (2144)
- Vases & Vessels (537)
- Outdoor & Garden (642)
- Holiday Decor (1710)
- Candles & Lighting (357)
- Bathroom (0)
- Bedding (7)
- Car Accessories (0)
- Nursery & Kids Room (0)
- Office & Desk (150)
- Rugs & Textiles (208)
- Storage & Organization (68)
- Hats (208)
- Keychains and Straps (126)
- Hair Accessories (95)
- Other Accessories (142)
- Walking Sticks (0)
- Footwear (24)
- Bags & Purses (1636)
- Scarves & Wraps (1555)
- Belts & Sashes (68)
- Ties & Formal Accessories (5)
- Gloves & Mittens (104)
- Baby & Kids Accessories (5)
- Luggage & Travel (4)
- Tech Accessories (100)
- Wall Decor (1879)
- Decor Accessories (2786)
- Tableware (0)
- Holiday Decor & Ornaments (0)
- Outdoor Living (0)
- Pillows & Throws (432)
- Furniture (185)
- Musical Instruments (0)
- Baskets (0)
- Chess Sets Games (0)
- Jewelry Boxes (0)
- Kitchen & Dining (2144)
- Vases & Vessels (537)
- Outdoor & Garden (642)
- Holiday Decor (1710)
- Candles & Lighting (357)
- Bathroom (0)
- Bedding (7)
- Car Accessories (0)
- Nursery & Kids Room (0)
- Office & Desk (150)
- Rugs & Textiles (208)
- Storage & Organization (68)
- Hats (208)
- Keychains and Straps (126)
- Hair Accessories (95)
- Other Accessories (142)
- Walking Sticks (0)
- Footwear (24)
- Bags & Purses (1636)
- Scarves & Wraps (1555)
- Belts & Sashes (68)
- Ties & Formal Accessories (5)
- Gloves & Mittens (104)
- Baby & Kids Accessories (5)
- Luggage & Travel (4)
- Tech Accessories (100)
Andean Artisan Crafted Dried Mate Gourd Cat Box 'Andean Feline' Item ID: 2670375429
$23.99Selected variation not available
This is your own listing item.
"Peruvian craftsman Daniel Vargas is from Cochas Chico in the El Tambo district of Huancayo province and has been gaining mastery of the Huancayan art of engraving gourds since he was a teenager. Known as mates, the dried gourds are decorated using various engraving and burning techniques. Daniel's design, created by hand, transforms the dried mate gourd into a finely detailed full-figured cat. The top half of the gourd can be lifted up using a painted wooden knob so that small items, accessories, or trinkets can be stored inside."
- 1.59 oz
- 3.1 inches H x 3.5 inches Diam.
- Dried mate gourd
- quinual wood
- Hand-crafted item -- color
- size and/or motif may vary slightly
Made in Peru
Shop with Confidence
Easy 30 day returns!
"My parents didn't have jobs so they worked making bricks. From a young age, we children helped them. Even though the work wasn't appropriate for a child, it was the only option we had.
"When I was 16, I began helping an artisan who worked in engraving dried mate gourds, a traditional Andean craft. I discovered a talent for this art and worked there until I was 19, when I set up my own workshop. Sales were slow, but I kept perfecting my work and sold mate gourds in the Sunday markets.
"I got married when I was 20. Although I didn't have money, a neighbor went to Argentina for three years and let us live in his home while he was gone. When he returned, he asked for his house and I had no place to go. I managed to get a small piece of land and built a one-room adobe house. My two children were born there — a girl in 2005 and a boy in 2009.
"Once, a non-governmental organization came to Huancayo looking for artisans and, with their guidance, I was able to work more efficiently. Little by little, I've been improving my house and today, we have two floors built of brick and my own workshop here at home. My children go to school and they like mate gourd art. Sometimes they help attach the cords to our ornaments and, when they're older, I'll start teaching them pyroengraving.
"Over time, I've been developing engraved gourds as well as my other designs, and all have motifs inspired in Peru's birds, plants and customs.
"My family and friends consider me a creative person. I like innovation and take great care with the quality of my work. I always want to give my best. It's exciting to know that new friends around the world will see my designs and even get to know a little about me. You have opened new doors for me and I see a better horizon in our future."
Reviews for
Reviews for
Daniel Vargas traditional Andean mate gourd art
"My parents didn't have jobs so they worked making bricks. From a young age, we children helped them. Even though the work wasn't appropriate for a child, it was the only option we had.
"When I was 16, I began helping an artisan who worked in engraving dried mate gourds, a traditional Andean craft. I discovered a talent for this art and worked there until I was 19, when I set up my own workshop. Sales were slow, but I kept perfecting my work and sold mate gourds in the Sunday markets.
"I got married when I was 20. Although I didn't have money, a neighbor went to Argentina for three years and let us live in his home while he was gone. When he returned, he asked for his house and I had no place to go. I managed to get a small piece of land and built a one-room adobe house. My two children were born there — a girl in 2005 and a boy in 2009.
"Once, a non-governmental organization came to Huancayo looking for artisans and, with their guidance, I was able to work more efficiently. Little by little, I've been improving my house and today, we have two floors built of brick and my own workshop here at home. My children go to school and they like mate gourd art. Sometimes they help attach the cords to our ornaments and, when they're older, I'll start teaching them pyroengraving.
"Over time, I've been developing engraved gourds as well as my other designs, and all have motifs inspired in Peru's birds, plants and customs.
"My family and friends consider me a creative person. I like innovation and take great care with the quality of my work. I always want to give my best. It's exciting to know that new friends around the world will see my designs and even get to know a little about me. You have opened new doors for me and I see a better horizon in our future."
Andes Artisan Empowerment Hub
3 items
Other favorites
View more100% Happiness Guaranteed
If you aren't in LOVE with your purchases, let us know within 30 days and we'll make it right.
- Easy Returns
- Hassle-free Exchange
- Dedicated Support
Faster, cheaper, bigger
≠better
Where unique tastes
Find
Powered by Human Creativity
Established alongside our parent company NOVICA
More than a Marketplace
Enjoyed by over 1,000,000
customers across 50+ countries
Powered by NOVICA, a beloved global leader
in fair trade artisan goods.