Pedro Veli

August 16th 2014
We stepped into the courtyard and straight into the heart of a little family business. And it was more heart than business. On a low bench along a wall a young man sat pencilling designs on small rounded tan-coloured gourds. Two young women next to him, carving out his drawings, using nothing more than a nail sharpened to a point. I noticed the plasters wound around finger tips; saw the concent ... read more

South America » Peru » Junin » Huancayo

Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1... ... read more

Message Follow (6) Comment

tracey

saritrace

I've always had wanderlust. Don't know where it comes from. When I was 26 I bought a 'round the world' ticket and flew off to New York. I thought after a year travelling I would have 'been there, seen it, done it' and it would be out of my system. Of course it didn't work like that. I travelled for two years and only went home when the money ran out. Then life took over for a few years, and travelling was confined to month long trips around Christmas, and shorter city breaks. In 2009 Jim retired. Not to be outdone I also gave up work - at least for the forseeable future. We gave our flat in... full info

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17th August 2014

taracloud
Tara Cloud

Holding tradition in your hands
This is one of the most touching blogs I've ever read. You captured the man, the artist so beautifully, I saw these gourds in Cusco, but now understand the difference between the mass-produced ones (still requiring a lot of skill and sacrifice of fingers) and the old, story-telling ones to be cherished. Oh, to have some space in my pack. Lucky you, in your gourd, you'll be able to cherish the memories of Pedro and his family forever.

17th August 2014

saritrace
tracey

I too, Tara, saw all the gourds and thought 'tourist tat', until we saw Pedro at work. It's so different when you can meet the maker, and see how much effort, time and love goes into the making of something. By the time we get back to London, I'll have been carrying the gourd around with me for three months or so, but it's worth it. When we eventually get another place to live, I want to fill it with objects that tell a story and make my memories breathe!

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