OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — ARGENTINA 63. ALELUYA HOLY FAMILY TRIPTYCH
Beautiful shades of environmentally friendly woods are used by Wichi Indians to make this triptych Nativity scene and smaller ornament. The arched center panel has the Nativity scene while the side panels spell “Aleluya” (hallelujah in Spanish). The items were handcrafted by young, at-risk urban artisans. The item is distributed by Siwok Crafts in Argentina. The triptych measures 10inches long by 4 inches tall.
Wood carving in the Wichi community is a gift transmitted from father to son. They use hard woods found in the Chaco region like Palo Santo or Bulnesia Sarmiento (green), Guayacán or Caesalpinia Paraguariensis (dark brown), iscayante and algarrobo or Locust tree (both reddish) and Palo Blanco or Phyllostylon Rhamnoides (light brown or yellowish).
Siwok Crafts, Salta
The Wichi Indians have lived in the Chaco forest of northern Argentina for thousands of years, hunting and gathering to survive. Recently, the trees in their forests have been cut down to make way for agricultural development and their traditional way of life is threatened. The Wichis are fighting to save their way of life and have begun using their traditional woodworking skills to generate income. Siwok is the Wichi word for woodpecker which has become the symbol of the Wichi woodcarvers. The recent fiscal crisis in Argentina has severely impacted the project which benefits over 100 indigenous artisans and their families.
Wood carving in the Wichi community is a gift transmitted from father to son. They use hard woods found in the Chaco region like Palo Santo or Bulnesia Sarmiento (green), Guayacán or Caesalpinia Paraguariensis (dark brown), iscayante and algarrobo or Locust tree (both reddish) and Palo Blanco or Phyllostylon Rhamnoides (light brown or yellowish).
Siwok Crafts, Salta
The Wichi Indians have lived in the Chaco forest of northern Argentina for thousands of years, hunting and gathering to survive. Recently, the trees in their forests have been cut down to make way for agricultural development and their traditional way of life is threatened. The Wichis are fighting to save their way of life and have begun using their traditional woodworking skills to generate income. Siwok is the Wichi word for woodpecker which has become the symbol of the Wichi woodcarvers. The recent fiscal crisis in Argentina has severely impacted the project which benefits over 100 indigenous artisans and their families.