Spanish Colonial, South America, Peru, 19th century CE. An enormous gourd that is finely engraved with a village scene. The art of gourd carving has been practiced in Peru for more than 4,000 years, with artisans using gourds, or mates burilados, to tell both communal and personal stories - folklore, celebrations, myths, everyday life activities, and even tragedies. First the gourd was skinned, cleaned, and dried. Then, the artists carved their narrative composition. The darker areas may have been attained via a burning technique called quemado. Small engraving tools were used to create the design by hand. Size: 27" L x 8.5" in diameter at widest point (68.6 cm x 21.6 cm)

The large panels of this composition include many scenes derived from Peru's natural world as well as humans' interactions with it: animals such as birds and camelids, weavers making beautiful textiles, quaint homes nestled in hillsides, farmers working the land, musicians and dancers, as well as people cooking and feasting from food in beautiful pottery vessels. Framing these are impressive decorative borders with textile-inspired stylized geometric motifs, and at either end are additional floral and animal motifs.

Provenance: ex-Misenhimer collection, Hollywood, California, USA

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#108931

Expected surface wear with scuffs/scratches as shown, but imagery is very strong and absolutely mesmerizing!