Story gourds - Peru

Story Gourds hand carved in Peru  Peruvian story gourds, or mate burilado, are a centuries-old Andean art form in which artisans carve detailed scenes into dried gourds. Originating over 3,500 years ago, these carvings evolved from simple geometric designs into rich visual narratives depicting village life, festivals, myths, and history. Using heated metal tools, artists etch and burn intricate images onto the gourd’s surface, creating a natural, textured illustration. Today, story gourds—especially those from the artisan communities of Cochas Chico and Cochas Grande—remain a vibrant tradition and a unique expression of Peruvian cultural heritage. Each gourd pictured tells a different visual story, some with verbal descriptions