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OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — PERU  82. GOURD NATIVITY

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This Peruvian gourd Nativity set includes eight decorated and carved dried gourds representing Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, a shepherd holding a baby lamb, two animals, and two wise men with gifts.  The gourds measure 4 to 6 inches high, except for the baby Jesus gourd, which is 3 inches long.
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In the village of Chochas Chico, near Huancayo, each gourd is dried before work can begin by the Native Indian artist (artesano). Gourds are available in a variety of sizes, so artisans usually contract with growers for a certain approximate size in the sowing season, October. After harvesting, the gourds are sun-dried for about six months so they are ready to be worked the following June. A pipe, made from hollow Eucalyptus branches, is put in a fire, and when hot, the artesano blows air through to “scorch” each gourd, creating beautiful patinas on the outer surface of the dried gourd. Later, the gourd is then intricately carved using typical wood working tools. Carved gourds represent a centuries old tradition in Peru. Originally used as ornate water vessels for ceremonial offerings to the Incas, gourds today depict the everyday life of Peruvian Campesino.
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