In this first article about crafts around the world we will focus on analyzing the creations that exist in the magical and exotic country of Peru. Peruvian artisans are recognized for their skill and creativity in various forms of art and crafts.

1. Alpaca and Wool Textiles

The Andes region, especially Cusco and Puno, is known for the production of textiles made from natural alpaca fibers and sheep wool. Peruvian artisans create beautiful textiles such as shawls, blankets, ponchos and decorative fabrics using ancient hand-weaving techniques. Here are some of them:

Loom weaving

It is one of the oldest and most widely used weaving techniques in Peru. Peruvian weavers use threads of different colors and patterns to create their own ponchos, blankets, shawls and skirts.

Natural dyeing

Weavers and artisans use dyes obtained from plants, such as the famous cochineal for deep red and pink colours, and walnut for brown tones. If we apply these natural dyes to the threads before weaving, we will have as a result a wide range of vibrant and long-lasting colours.

Embroidery

Peruvian embroiderers use needles and threads to decorate clothing, home textiles and accessories. As we have mentioned, Peruvian artisans love colorful designs that symbolize animals and plants.

Warp and weft

This technique refers to the threads stretched vertically on the loom, while the weft is the thread that is passed horizontally between the warp threads. This technique allows for the creation of geometric patterns and complex designs in Peruvian textiles.

As an interesting fact about Andean traditions, we will end the section on textiles by talking about the quipu . This ancient system of recording and communication was used by Andean civilizations, especially by the Incas, and consisted of ropes of different colors and knots, where the knots and their position on the rope represented numerical and textual information. It seems that they could also have been used to record information about taxes, censuses, and historical events. It is currently still being investigated by experts as it is considered a historical and cultural object in ancient Inca society.

2. Ceramics

Secondly, we will talk about the ceramic artisans, whose diversity and rich tradition can be observed especially in the regions of Cusco, Ayacucho and Puno. As with textiles, Peruvian ceramics also often feature designs with rich colors and symbols of the country's traditions.

Some of the highlighted techniques are:

  • Hand modeling : As a good craftsman, in this technique you simply use your hands and some basic tools such as sticks, spatulas or stones to give organic shapes to the design.
  • Potter's wheel : This technique allows for more symmetrical and precise shapes to be achieved as it allows the clay to be turned on a disk while it is moulded by hand or with other special tools.
  • Relief modeling : Sculpting techniques allow you to create decorative patterns and add relief details to the surface of the clay.
  • Engobado : This technique is used to create designs in different shades by applying engobes, which are previously colored clays. These are placed on the surface of the ceramic before firing.
  • Painting and decoration : Paint and enamel are used to create the characteristic Peruvian colour designs. These decorations usually represent human figures, fauna, flora and geometric designs.
  • Outdoor firing : The firing phase is carried out in open-air kilns using wood. This traditional type of firing can generate variations in the colours and textures of the ceramic, giving it a unique aesthetic.
  • Firing in an electric or gas oven : Nowadays, to obtain more consistent results and maintain the colour and shine of the enamels, electric or gas ovens are used since this way the firing phase is more precise and controlled.

3. Wood Carving

Another material that Peruvian artisans master is wood. This can be of the following types depending on local availability and the characteristics required for the project.

Types of wood

  • Huayruro : A reddish wood with great hardness. It is used in the manufacture of jewelry, amulets, beads and other small objects thanks to its great resistance.
  • Palo Santo : Known for its sweet fragrance and light yellow to brown color, locals use it primarily to create sculptures and decorative objects.
  • Algarrobo : This is a hard and resistant wood found on the Peruvian coast. It has a warm tone and is used to create furniture, musical instruments and kitchen utensils.
  • Cedar : Very popular due to its great durability and beauty. Its reddish tones and its resistance to humidity and insects make it ideal for the manufacture of furniture, boxes, carvings and other decorative objects.
  • Moena : A dark brown to black wood with striking grain. Similar to cedar, it is characterized by its beauty and durability, and is also used for the production of fine furniture, musical instruments and decorative objects.

Types of objects

Artisans create sculptures and decorative objects by carving detailed figures into wood, which are generally inspired by Andean culture, local flora and fauna, and Peruvian mythology. Some of these objects include:

  • Wooden boxes: They are usually decorated with folkloric designs and motifs, and are commonly used as jewelry boxes, to store small objects or as decorative objects.
  • Wooden masks: They are part of Peruvian cultural traditions. They represent characters from traditional dances and rituals and are used in festivities, ceremonies and as decorative objects.
  • Wooden musical instruments: The three traditional Peruvian instruments made of wood are the zampoña, also known as the pan flute, the quena, which is a flute of Andean origin, and finally the Peruvian percussion box.
  • Kitchen utensils and containers: Spoons, mortars and bowls are some of their most famous creations, highly sought after for both their functionality and their aesthetics.

In the Amazon region of Peru, artisans create beautiful sculptures and utilitarian objects carved from wood. The designs are inspired by nature and the rich diversity of the Amazon rainforest. Artisans use traditional hand-carving techniques to create unique and detailed pieces.

4. Silver Jewelry

The Cajamarca region in the north of the country is known for the production of silver jewelry. Local artisans have their own style, creating unique designs on items such as necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings, all inspired by Andean and pre-Columbian culture. The techniques they use have been passed down from generation to generation, and we'll look at some of them in more detail below.

  • Filigree : This involves working fine silver or gold threads into intricate designs to create lace. These threads are then meticulously curved, twisted and welded together to form decorative patterns.
  • Chiseling : Designs are carved into the surface of the silver using a chisel and hammer. Using precise blows, they create reliefs and textures and make unique creations.
  • Repujado : Similar to the previous technique, but in this case a punch or burin is used to create the reliefs. Through pressure and careful carving, Cajamarca artisans manage to create three-dimensional pieces, highlighting the elements to which they want to give more importance.
  • Enamel technique : It consists of melting colored glass onto the surface of the silver, in this way they achieve striking designs, adding bright and vibrant colors.

As in many societies, the use of jewelry is attributed as a symbol of power and status. These accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings made of gold, silver and precious stones were essential in rituals and ceremonies. In fact, the first Cajamarcan jewelry dates back to pre-Columbian times, around 200 to 1470 AD.

5. Burilated Mates

Burilado gourds are gourd vessels that are carved and engraved with intricate designs. This craft is typical of the Huancayo region, located in the Central Highlands of Peru, and is characterized by its meticulousness and attention to detail.

In order to make these unique, internationally known pieces, the gourds must first be grown, with the preferred species being Lagenaria siceraria. A careful selection is then made to ensure a good level of hardness and strength. The artisan then uses a burin or knife to embody his ideas on the surface of the gourd. These designs may include traditional motifs, geometric figures, animals, scenes from everyday life, folklore scenes, landscapes or other custom designs.

In addition, many artisans, in order to give a touch of color to their designs, choose hand painting, the application of natural dyes or even smoking, which serves to darken some areas, enhancing the contrast.