THE VERY DETAILED HAND SCRIBED GOURD ART

July 31, 2017 SouthAmerica

Mates burilados is the Spanish name for amazing highly detailed scribed gourds that are made in the highlands of central Peru. Most of this artwork comes from the towns of Cochas Chico and Cochas Grande in the Mantaro Valley, which is near the city of Huancayo. Cochas Chico is the world´s capital of the mate burilado. What is a mate burilado? These gourds are the fruit from the calabash, gourd or type of pumpkin plant. Its name comes from the Quechua word “mati” that means a cup or glass to drink from. The Incas referred to it as “puru.” The botanical name is Lagenaria Sciceraria. These fruits come in different shapes and sizes making it perfect for the art of burilado.

https://www.southamericatotheworld.com/ — Top trim of a mate burilado

Some old mates were found at Huaca Prieta archaeological site in La Libertad Region by the American archaeologist Junius Bird between the years of 1946-1947. At this site they found one mate burilado representing a feline human face. His discovery made great impact in Peru, becoming the oldest archaeological site, dating to 2500 years b.c. That is before the Incas and from old cultures such as Mochica and Chimu. These cultures had mates burilados with geometric figures, fish, and birds. Later the Incas developed this technique, and used the mates as containers, musical instruments, and ceremonial objects.

How are the mate burilados made? The process starts with drying the fruit. These vary in size and shape. Some are round, pear shape, or can make small cups. These characteristics influence the drying process. First the fruit have to be harvested when well-ripened so they can stand inclement weather, and then it has to be set to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded, and dry place until they are completely dehydrated. You can tell it is completely dehydrated when you shake the gourd and hear the seeds shaking inside. After this the coloring process starts. The most common color is a black background that is achieved by using Ichu ashes (made from burnt Andean grasses) or burning the gourd in an oven until it acquires the desired tones. There are different technics applied to the mates: burilados, pyroghaphy, and painted. Now they are made in many different colors, making these ideal for Christmas ornaments. Some are made as musical instruments for kids to play with, others are used as containers with lids, and some are vessels. Other uses for these mates are masks, dishes, wall ornaments, animal figures especially birds, and flower vases. The creativity is endless for these local artists. It makes you wonder what they will make next.

What makes these mates burilados exquisite are the detailed hand-scribed designs. The designs represent several themes; some are so intricate they will leave you astonished. The original designs are considered a way of expressing their experiences.

The tool used to make the burilado is called “buril” hence the name; it is a burin type of chisel. There are other tools used to obtain what they are representing like the “gubia,” which is a flat or curved gouge. Another tool is called “ilimpi,” a type of spoon, and the “cuchuro,” a kind of knife. Lately some artists have incorporated modern tools to their craftsmanship. All these tools are used to make patterns representing local customs, animals, agriculture, or festivities.

The prices of the mates will depend on how detailed they are. Some have larger designs, and they will not be too expensive. Others are full of fine detailed work that involved more time to make. They do make a point of covering the gourd completely with designs. Some will represent a story, a village party, a harvest, etc… They will have flowers, jungle animals, musical instruments, towns, people working, people dancing, and some even have written stories. The way they design the mates is impressive. These people have mastered the burilado art so that there is no draft design. They will work directly on the mate from designs they already had in their minds, which is quite amazing.

It is not only Peru who uses the gourds; countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay also make use of the gourds. This is what they typically use to drink their famous Yerba Mate. The process they use to make this yerba mate gourd is very similar to the Peruvian style mates. These mates now have intricate designs and colors. Before the gourd can be used as a drinking vessel for yerba mate teas it first must be completely cured.

It is believed that the mates craft gave origin to pottery; this idea is from Jose Sabogal, and one can find more detail of his work in his book “Mate burilados, arte vernacular Peruano” from 1987, published in Lima – Peru.

Peru now has an event called “Ruraq Maki, hecho a mano” meaning handmade. Different local artists present their work in La Sala del Ministerio de Cultura – Lima. This event has been held every year since 2007. This year Ruraq Maki will be on display from July 20^th through the 30^th in celebration as always of the cultural patrimony congregating many other artists in this event. They also hold this event during Christmas season.

For more details about Ruraq Maki, check their Facebook page, for current events and dates go to la Pagina del Ministero de Cultura del Peru.