Pacifika

A great new group with songs that have positive lyrics about life and the
environment. The group is Canadian and lead singer is Peruvian, many of
the lyrics are bilingual.

For more info about the artists, reviews  and to hear samples from 

the album click here  Asuncion (Dig)

Unique artisans of the Taquile Island

Few have heard of this very small island in the high altitude of the Andes in Lake Titicaca.  But in November of 2005 - The Director-General of UNESCO, Kochiro Matsuura  proclaimed Taquile island of Peru and its textile art as one of the 43 new Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritages of Humanity along with Japan's Kabuki theater and the Zambian Makishi Masquarade.

    Why did the Taquile people receive this honor? Taquileos are known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing which are regarded as some of  the finest quality handy crafts in Peru. Their textile art is produced as an everyday activity by both men, women and children and worn by all members of the community .

The art of weaving  on Taquile island goes back to the ancient Inca civilizations which means elements from pre-Hispanic Andean cultures are still being kept alive. The weaving is done on pre-Hispanic fixed and pedal looms. The most characteristic garment is the calendar waistband, depicting the annual cycles connected to ritual and agricultural activities. The calendar waistband has attracted the interest of many researchers as it depicts elements of the oral tradition of the community and its history. Although new designs and contemporary symbols and images have been introduced, the traditional style and techniques are still maintained.

My husband and I had the opportunity to visit this Island last year and were amazed at how small it was and how the people differed from other Andean groups.  The women and girls wore black mantas or long head scarves which we had not scene in other parts of Peru. The typical llama was not present on the island but instead lot's of woolly sheep.  What seemed like an easy climb up the hill to the village was actually quite challenging because of the high altitude. We enjoyed our afternoon there and ate a meal of delicious local trout. We look forward to going back one day and were glad to have met such warm and interesting people .       ~  above are a  few photographs from our trip to the Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca, Peru.

Inspiration

My Peruvian heritage is a great source of inspiration for me. The colors of Peru are so vibrant and there is such vast contrast in the land. There is the Amazon Rain Forest, the coastal beaches, the arid land and the mountains. Each area of Peru has a distinct type of native dress and artistry. I've traveled all over the country and am constantly amazed at the beauty and creativity that abounds.

Craftsmanship and artistry has always been a way of life in Peru. Archeologist continually unearth remarkable displays of textiles, pottery and metallurgy. This rich past has a great influence on today's artisans and there is a growing pride in embracing this heritage.

I hope to share this with you through my designs and through many cherished pictures of my travels through out Peru. Enjoy!

     ~ the photo of the hats was taken at the little rustic lodge we stayed at in Chucuito, Puno near Lake Titicaca in Peru.

"Mud Jewels" - Ceramics of Chulucanas, Peru

  
   When photographing my work I love to use objects or pictures from Peru since Peru has always been a great source of inspiration for me. I decided to photograph my latest bracelet design displayed on a ceramic bird from Chulucanas. This is a very small town on the northern coast of Peru that produces a very distinctive style of pottery.

Not only is their style of decorating and firing ceramics unique but so is the story of its origin. In the 1960's archeologists found a tomb of a Vicus nobleman dating from around 400 B.C. containing extraordinary ceramics. Local artisans, descendants of the Vicus and ceramicists by tradition, were fascinated by this pottery. They were determined to learn this technique and to continue the legacy of their ancestors.

 Through much trial and error they were able to master the reverse or negative painting or blackening technique used by the Vicus artisans.There are now over 250 registered artisans in Chulucanas and their ceramic work is not only the finest in Peru but it is also receiving international recognition.

In 1992 Chulucanas pottery was chosen by several European nations to represent the art of the New World at the 500th year celebration of the Discovery of the Americas. 

Now this unique pottery can easily be found on many venues specializing in world artisans. I believe the world wide popularity and appreciation for the work of Chulucanas has far exceeded any expectations. In their indigenous dialect the artisans of Chulucanas refer to their work as "Mud Jewels" and rightfully so.      ~ These photos are of pieces from my own Chulucanas collection. The two women are actually small ceramics, the one on the left is 5 7/8" tall and the one on the right 2 3/4".