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Dried Gourd with Burned Image of an Elephant from Peru 'Earth Tone Elephant' Item ID: 2671695334
$25.99This is your own listing item.
- 0.11 lbs
- 3.9 inches H x 3.5 inches W x 3.5 inches D
- Dried mate gourd
- quinal wood knob
- Hand-crafted item -- color
- size and/or motif may vary slightly
Made in Peru
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"I was born in Huancayo province in 1984. My parents emigrated there from Ayacucho in the 1980s to flee the terrorism in the region. I'm the third of seven children, and the five youngest were born in Huancayo.
"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."
Review for
February 24, 2021
R
Ruth
This was a birthday gift for a dear friend. She fell in love with this unique gourd as soon as she opened the box!
Reviewed itemJanuary 17, 2020
I
Irene
This feline's detail is splendid. He looks exactly like one of my old kitties and is a good memory of him. He was round like this, too. lol. Makes a great gift and have bought a couple more for my son and my best friend's child. Cute box! Fine detailed art!
Reviewed itemJanuary 14, 2020
L
Linda
This whimsical gourd carving of cat made me smile when I first saw it. Larger than I expected, it's perfect for a jewelry or trinket holder. It's also nice just a display item, it has so much personality!
Reviewed itemOctober 24, 2019
S
Sue Ann
This is a beautiful gourd. The artist's attention to detail is amazing. I bought several to give as gifts to cat lovers and know that they will really like them. I personally was so thrilled with the gourd that I just may keep one of them for myself.
Reviewed itemOctober 21, 2019
S
Suzanne
Such a beautiful item much bigger than I thought because I never read dimensions if you buy this item I guarantee you would love it
Reviewed itemMay 14, 2019
E
Elizabeth
Originally I bought this for a gift and loved it so much, I ordered one for myself. Also both of us love cats, have cats and so that became one more reason to get them. The gift is being used for the stated purpose of a jewelry box; mine is part of the handmade items that once obtained, I scatter them throughout the rooms of my house which always elicits comment and stimulates conversation. The... read more
Reviewed itemFebruary 8, 2019
C
Carrie
These owl gourds look great on our tree. Everyone who sees them comments on how attractive and interesting they are. The deep red is very Christmasy and the craftsmanship is great.
Reviewed itemSeptember 14, 2022
A
Alice
Charming. This looks just like the picture and works great to hold trinkets.
Reviewed itemMay 11, 2022
B
Brienne
Lovely color and detail! I gave this as a gift, and my Mom loved it : ) Thank you!
Reviewed itemSeptember 2, 2023
S
Sue
I almost didn't buy. So glad I did! Large size and adorable! Talented artist!
Reviewed itemJanuary 20, 2022
K
Kathy
It’s really cute, and so well made. Not sure I will use it as a jewelry box yet... for now it will be in the living room where I can show it off! Thank you, Daniel!
Reviewed itemJune 13, 2021
K
Kate
These owls are sweet! I kept one and have given the rest to friends and my mother. Great gift for bird lovers! Their subtle rattle is also fun.
Reviewed itemApril 18, 2021
R
Robynne
This is an adorable, well made piece. My niece will love this - she's a teen and I think she will enjoy how beautiful it is and how functional as well.
Reviewed itemMarch 18, 2021
J
Jo Ann
This box made me smile. It is very well crafted ad just waiting for a piece of jewelry or other small favorite thing
Reviewed itemReview for
May 17, 2023
D
Dorma
The carving was done by an accomplished artist.
May 14, 2019
E
Elizabeth
Originally I bought this for a gift and loved it so much, I ordered one for myself. Also both of us love cats, have cats and so that became one more reason to get them. The gift is being used for the stated purpose of a jewelry box; mine is part of the handmade items that once obtained, I scatter them throughout the rooms of my house which always elicits comment and stimulates conversation. The whimsical and contented look on the cat's face always elicits a smile or chuckle or laugh too.
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"I was born in Huancayo province in 1984. My parents emigrated there from Ayacucho in the 1980s to f... read more
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Daniel Vargas traditional Andean mate gourd art
"I was born in Huancayo province in 1984. My parents emigrated there from Ayacucho in the 1980s to flee the terrorism in the region. I'm the third of seven children, and the five youngest were born in Huancayo.
"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."
"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."
Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru
The Andes Fulfillment Hub
Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.
Maker BadgeCaring for Children
This artist supports children under the age of 18.
Maker BadgeEnabling Education
This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.
Maker BadgeJob Creator
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
Maker BadgeMoving On Up
This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.
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Dried Gourd with Burned Image of an Elephant from Peru 'Earth Tone Elephant'
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