08 Peruvian Carved Gourd Napkin Holder, Assorted Design

Beautiful Peruvian Carved Gourd Napkin Holder, Assorted Design, Set x 4 Units:  Pretty hand carved gourd napkin holder features scenes of Andean valley life. The Artisan handcarves the gourd and creates various tones of rich brown by artfully passing the gourd over a controlled flame. Embroidery finishes the napkin holder opening and the gourd is attached to a wood base for stability.

About Mate Burilado ( Carved Gourd) : Mate Burilado is an ancient traditional craft of Peru. It means carved gourd in spanish. It is a symbol of traditions and beliefs for the Andean communities of Peru. There are gourds that are as old as 3000 years ago. The gourds were originally used as containers for carrying food from the Peruvian highlands. Traditional Gourds were carved with day to day activities, myths, dances and andean traditions.

Carved gourds showcased the stories of how people lived in the Andean Mountains. Today, gourds are carved with simple patterns for decorative purposes. The gourds are washed, peeled and dried in sun for 10-15 days. After the gourd is dried, the artist sketches their design on the gourd. Next, a buril or chisel is used to carve the patterns. The engraved gourd is smeared with oil and ash to fill the engravings, thus creating a black detail. The gourds are also burnt with burning piece of wood to create black color on the gourd.

Measure: Height:3.54 inches x Width: 3.54 aprox.

Price: $5.25