Want to know more about our exotic gourd jewelry? The art of Peruvian gourd carving dates back more than 4,000 years, and is still one of the most interesting organic forms of art you will find today. In order to create mate (ma-tay), or pieces of gourd art, artisans choose gourds in different shapes and sizes and then remove their skins. After the outer shell is removed, the gourds are left out in the sun to dry naturally. The dried gourds then become the perfect canvas for traditional Peruvian art. In order to create their designs, artisans use a technique called pyrography. This art form utilizes thin, poker-like instruments which are used to burn designs into organic materials. You may have seen leather or wood that has been etched using a pyrography technique, especially if you are somewhat familiar with Native American art. Although pyrography and gourd carving have been traced back to several ancient societies through Africa and Asia, the ancient people of the Americas are well known for this kind of art. In Peru, gourd carving is especially tied to the highland people in the Andean region. Our artisan jewelry is created by artisans who honor ancient traditions like gourd carving while creating modern styles like these Geometric Peruvian Gourd Earrings.
