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INTRODUCING
GOURD CRITTERZ

Spring 2011
These Peruvian gourds have been hand carved
and colored by talented artisans in the
high Andes mountains for over 3,500 years
.

Gourds, known as Mates, are a pumpkin like vegetable that grow to be rounded, conical or light bulb shaped with many variations. 

Grown in dry areas of the northern coast of Peru, they are typically harvested in May and then scraped with a dull knife to remove the outer skin and uncover the lighter colored gourd inside. They are cleaned and allowed to dry in the sun for 1 to 3 seasons.

When ready, the artists draw a design onto the gourd with a pencil and proceed to carve a three dimensional version using a Buril, a typical carving tool. The next step in the process uses a technique called pyrography or burning with wood embers that creates rich brown burn marks within the design which the artist controls by varying the intensity of the heat.

Another style of gourd features a black background that is dyed black using oil and charcoal made from local straw over the carved design.  The design shapes are then selectively cleaned to bring the lighter colors to the surface leaving a black background.

Small communities, nestled high in the Andean mountains near Huancayo, Peru are home to an ancient and talented tradition of gourd carving.   

Gourds are carved by men and
women. Often, it's the only
source of income for the
artisans of the Andes.
Carving becomes the focal
point for the entire family.



Gourds have had many functional uses including recording a pictorial history of the people, storing
and carrying food and drinking tea.


As the decorative art flourished  it became known as Mate Burrilado and has been handed down from family to family.

CALL 1-858-679-9599 FOR MORE INFORMATION

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WEBMASTER - Leanne Neuman
CSS - Creative Site Services

©Copyright 2009-2011

Gourd Critterz focuses on animal designs from all over the world.  Our collection includes animals typically found in Zoos, Aquariums, Marine Mammal Centers, National Parks,
Natural History Museums,
Nature Centers and more.
Name drops are available with
small minimums.

By purchasing
and retailing these gourds
you are helping to provide work
and a better future for these
creative artisans and families.

 
Our collection of beautifully decorated gourdz includes ornaments, boxes and vases.