Mate gourd sculpture, 'Wise Owl Desk Friend'

The natural shape of a dried mate gourd is transformed into this wise owl sculpture. Engraved and painted by hand, the feathered desk friend depicts a younger owl on its body. Tornillo wood forms the feet and beak. Emilio Hurtado creates this piece, carrying on one of the oldest craft traditions in the Andes.

Mate gourd masks, 'Ancestral Faces' (pair)

Tito Medina unlocks ancestral spirits with this pair of handcrafted masks. Fierce expressions characterize the pieces, especially the round face with large fangs. The other figure possesses a distinctive crown, reminiscent of ancient artistry. To create the masks, Medina selects fine mate gourds, engraving dried surfaces before altering the finish with a "bath of smoke." Vibrant natural colors welcome the burnished accents. As each piece is crafted individually by hand there may exist slight differences in color and design.

Mate gourd with silver, 'Forest Animals'

Animals from the Amazon rainforest appear on an engraved mate gourd. Wild boars and tapirs, monkeys and sloths join a spotted otorongo, the magnificent jungle cat called uturunku by ancient man in Peru. Tito Medina captures the vignettes in extraordinary detail. A filigree flower of sterling silver crowns the beautiful piece. Because natural gourds are used, size, shape and motifs can vary slightly, making each piece a unique work of folk art. .925 rating silver

Mate gourd bird feeder, 'Winged Creatures'

Engraved by hand, winged creatures glide and flutter across a handsome and original birdfeeder. Emilio Hurtado transforms a dried mate gourd into a beautiful garden accessory. He depicts dragonflies and butterflies with little mariquitas or lady bugs, and falling leaves. Baths of smoke help intensify its deep, rich color. The shape and size of the natural gourd will vary slightly.

Mate gourd dangle earrings, 'Wheel of Time'

An ancient Andean art, engraving dried mate gourd brings out rich nuances of earth colors. Patricia Jara depicts motifs from Inca art to create these novel earrings. The gourd disks are encased in shining Peruvian silver. .925 rating silver

Mate gourd sculptures, 'Aviary Inspiration' (pair)

Lean, tall and elegant, two birds stand with natural poise. Emilio Hurtado transforms the natural shape of mate gourds into a couple of sculpted birds that are engraved and painted by hand. Aliso wood forms the feet and beak. Please note shape and size depends on the gourds' natural shapes.

Mate gourd dangle earrings, 'Blossom'

Carved by hand, delicate blossoms take shape on dried mate gourd. The Quispe Family sets them in silver, adding three argent spheres for adornment. These lovely earrings are a manifestation of one of the oldest Andean craft forms. .925 rating silver

Gourd box, 'Magic Forest'

Transforming a dried bule gourd into a box, Adelina Rend�n demonstrates her mastery of traditional Olinal� art. She depicts a magical forest of animals and fish, etching the motifs with a thorn. They are then hand-painted with a pointillist technique. Because a natural gourd is used, size can vary slightly.

Mate gourd dangle earrings, 'Harvest Feast'

The festive traditions of the Andes are emblazoned in this captivating pair of earrings by the Quispe Family. Crafted with sterling silver, the earrings feature the images of a man and a woman dancing in the cornfields to celebrate a good harvest. Their presence is revealed in fine detail on dried mate gourds. .925 rating silver.

Mate gourd pendant necklace, 'Twin Doves of Peace'

The Quispe Family sends forth a message of peace in the shape of two doves flying through florid skies. They carve the inspired image by hand with delicate detail on a dried mate gourd. The they set it on an ornate pendant that is crafted with sterling silver. .925 rating silver.

Mate gourd masks, 'Nosy Buddies' (set of 3)

The narizones (big nosed-ones) are constant guests at the festivities and carnivals of the Huancayo region of Peru. They also feature big broad lips and wide, stretched eyes. They now adorn this set of gourds, masterfully crafted by hand by Tito Medina. Fascinating creatures, the narizones are guarded by the sun, regarded as their taita - "father" in the Quechua language. Because each piece is handcrafted from natural gourds, please expect slight variations in shape, size and motifs.