Teodolinda Seguil

Teodolinda Seguil engraved Andean mate gourds

"I'm a happy representative of Huancayo, Peru. The province is known for its enchanting landscapes, its people and our customs.

"I'm responsible and cheerful, though I'll fight to get ahead for my family. I believe that when a woman is happy, she transmits it, and this is true in the workshop as well. I want to transmit my happiness through my mate gourds. "Huancayo is the home of many talented artisans. I'm from a small town of friendly, welcoming people who are enterprising and progressive. Many of us are artisans who work in engraved dried mate gourds. Here, skilled hands depict images that tell the stories and share the dreams of life in Andean villages.

"I've loved this art for as long as I can remember. My grandparents engraved gourds and so did my parents, so they began teaching me how to use the tools at an early age. With my family's guidance, I learned to select and treat the gourds, to prepare my own tools and to decorate and paint the finished engravings.

"It took constancy and perseverance to carry on this craft but, as time went by, I perfected my technique. I love depicting scenes of daily life in the Andes, and sharing the culture and traditions of my hometown. My mate gourds show that we are a region of caring people, incredible landscapes, a wonderful climate and colorful festivities with music and dance. I bring these images to all my work because they are a part of me and who I am as an artist.

"I feel a real passion for carrying on this art. It's the most wonderful gift that I could ever have received as an inheritance.

"One of my dreams is to be recognized as a master artisan in this world of engraved mate gourds. I always want to be the best I can be, and leave my children the best I have to give. I want to share the happiness I feel when the world takes an interest in our culture and way of life."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"I'm a happy representative of Huancayo, Peru. The province is known for its enchanting landscapes, its people and our customs.

"I'm responsible and cheerful, though I'll fight to get ahead for my family. I believe that when a woman is happy, she transmits it, and this is true in the workshop as well. I want to transmit my happiness through my mate gourds. "Huancayo is the home of many talented artisans. I'm from a small town of friendly, welcoming people who are enterprising and progressive. Many of us are artisans who work in engraved dried mate gourds. Here, skilled hands depict images that tell the stories and share the dreams of life in Andean villages.

"I've loved this art for as long as I can remember. My grandparents engraved gourds and so did my parents, so they began teaching me how to use the tools at an early age. With my family's guidance, I learned to select and treat the gourds, to prepare my own tools and to decorate and paint the finished engravings.

"It took constancy and perseverance to carry on this craft but, as time went by, I perfected my technique. I love depicting scenes of daily life in the Andes, and sharing the culture and traditions of my hometown. My mate gourds show that we are a region of caring people, incredible landscapes, a wonderful climate and colorful festivities with music and dance. I bring these images to all my work because they are a part of me and who I am as an artist.

"I feel a real passion for carrying on this art. It's the most wonderful gift that I could ever have received as an inheritance.

"One of my dreams is to be recognized as a master artisan in this world of engraved mate gourds. I always want to be the best I can be, and leave my children the best I have to give. I want to share the happiness I feel when the world takes an interest in our culture and way of life."

Andes Artisan Empowerment 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.

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Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

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 BadgeMoving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

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Alternate image for Hand Carved Andean Traditional Village Gourd Decorative Box Honoring Tradition

$25.99

Item Detail

Hand Carved Andean Traditional Village Gourd Decorative Box 'Honoring Tradition'

$25.99

(2)

Comments

Marnie This is the 4th gourd box I have purchased from this artisan. I love it! It is somewhat different from the other boxes I have in that the pictures she has carved are larger and I really like that. It makes the box very distinctive and my favorite box so far, if I can claim a favorite when I love every box from her! My sincere thanks to Mrs. Seguil for her work.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Handmade Dried Gourd Birdhouse with Andean and Bird Details Garden Chant

$49.99

Item Detail

Handmade Dried Gourd Birdhouse with Andean and Bird Details 'Garden Chant'

$49.99

Alternate image for Colorful Bird and Flowers Hand Painted Gourd Desk Accessory Whistle While You Work

$19.99

Item Detail

Colorful Bird and Flowers Hand Painted Gourd Desk Accessory 'Whistle While You Work'

$19.99

(6)

Comments

Ryan Well made accessory holder. The detail of the hand painting is exquisite!!

5 more comments

11 Reviews for

June 24, 2023

R Ryan

Well made accessory holder. The detail of the hand painting is exquisite!!

Reviewed item

October 10, 2022

L Lesley

Better than I was expecting. Very beautifully made.

Reviewed item

August 14, 2022

K Karen

My daughter-in-law is an elementary school teacher. I gave this to her as a gift and she loves it. She said she loves having it on her desk there to make it look colorful and cheerful. I'm so glad that it was such a hit!

Reviewed item

June 18, 2022

D Dawn

This is sitting prominently on my desk. It is beautiful. The perfect size to hold your pens and pencils. It brings a smile to my face everytime I see it. It is a beautiful accent piece that is perfect for every desk.

Reviewed item

June 7, 2022

R Robin

Pretty and useful. Lots of great design and color.

Reviewed item

March 4, 2022

J Jeannine

My sunroom is my escape in the cold dark days of winter, where I fill it with color and life. This blends in like a rainbow! Perfection!

Reviewed item

January 21, 2022

L Lucille

A fun piece to store pens and pencils.

Reviewed item

September 26, 2021

M Marnie

This is the 4th gourd box I have purchased from this artisan. I love it! It is somewhat different from the other boxes I have in that the pictures she has carved are larger and I really like that. It makes the box very distinctive and my favorite box so far, if I can claim a favorite when I love every box from her! My sincere thanks to Mrs. Seguil for her work.

Reviewed item

August 27, 2021

M Marnie

This gourd is carved and covered in colored song birds and flowers. It is quite lovely. Ms. Seguil is very, very talented and also patient to be able to carve such pretty things. Her carvings are extraordinary! I love her work and plan to purchase more.

Reviewed item

November 12, 2019

M Mary

beautifully made; makes me smile every time I see it

Reviewed item

December 29, 2017

C Christina

Even better in person. Pefect little storage for your favorite things. Love the thick warms colors. Thank you!

Reviewed item