* Colorful gourd ornament

* Wide-eyed owl design

* Approx. 2" length, 2.5" height

* Bright yellow, blue and green colors

* Colorful beak accents

* Traditional Peruvian craft

* Patterns are created by burning and engraving

* Hand-carved from natural gourds

* Varying gourd sizes and colors

* Thread loop for hanging

* Made in Peru

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Mate Burilado is an ancient traditional craft of Peru. It means carved gourd in spanish. It is a symbol of traditions and beliefs for the Andean communities of Peru. There are gourds that are as old as 3000 years ago. The gourds were originally used as containers for carrying food from the Peruvian highlands. Traditional Gourds were carved with day to day activities, myths, dances and andean traditions. Carved gourds showcased the stories of how people lived in the Andean Mountains. Today, gourds are carved with simple patterns for decorative purposes. The gourds are washed, peeled and dried in sun for 10-15 days. After the gourd is dried, the artist sketches their design on the gourd. Next, a buril or chisel is used to carve the patterns. The engraved gourd is smeared with oil and ash to fill the engravings, thus creating a black detail. The gourds are also burnt with burning piece of wood to create black color on the gourd. Storied gourds is a collection of gourds from Peru that continue to tell us about the craft and skill of Peruvian artisans.