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Handmade gourd ornament
Features Santa in a sleigh
Available in Natural and Black
Fair trade imported from Peru
Unique artisan craftsmanship
Bring the spirit of the holidays into your home with the enchanting Santa Claus in Sleigh with Reindeer Ornament. This delightful ornament captures the magic of Christmas, featuring a charming Santa Claus seated in his sleigh, pulled by his trusty reindeer as they soar through the night sky. Each ornament is meticulously handcrafted from natural gourds by skilled artisans in Peru, ensuring that every piece is unique and filled with character.
The art of gourd carving is a time-honored tradition in the high Andean Mountains of Peru, where artisans have been perfecting their craft for over 4,500 years. The process begins with the careful selection of gourds, which are then skinned, cleaned, and sun-dried to prepare them for intricate designs. The artisans etch and burn detailed patterns onto the surface, creating stunning visual effects that highlight the natural beauty of the gourd.
This ornament measures approximately 2-1/2 inches high and 2-1/4 inches in diameter, making it the perfect size to hang on your Christmas tree or display on a shelf. Available in both Natural and Black finishes, this ornament can complement any holiday decor style. The unique shapes and designs of each gourd ensure that no two ornaments are exactly alike, adding a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.
When you purchase the Santa Claus in Sleigh with Reindeer Ornament, you are supporting fair trade practices that empower artisans in Peru. The twin villages of Cochas Grande and Cochas Chico are home to talented artisans like Raquel and Esperanza, who run workshops that provide jobs and promote sustainable livelihoods for their communities. By choosing this ornament, you are contributing to the preservation of traditional crafts and helping families thrive.
The gourd carving process is a labor of love that involves several meticulous steps. After harvesting, artisans remove the outer green skin to reveal the lighter brown interior, which serves as their canvas. They then sketch their designs in pencil before using carving tools to create three-dimensional patterns. The artisans burn the designs using heated tools, creating beautiful contrasts that enhance the ornament's visual appeal. Finally, the gourds are polished with natural wax, ensuring a smooth finish that showcases the intricate artwork.