icon hand Over $134.9 million USD sent to artisans so far!
icon giftbox Artisan Subscription Box icon hand Passport Club
icon plus
icon cart icon close
Your cart is currently empty

Similar Items

Free Gift Packaging

Free Gift Message Card

NOVICA Certified story card included

Featured Sale

Andean Artisan Crafted Dried Mate Gourd Cat Box, "Andean Feline"

Peruvian craftsman Daniel Vargas is from Cochas Chico in the El Tambo district of Huancayo province and has been gaining mastery of the Huancayan art... more

Quantity

In your cart

Details

Peruvian craftsman Daniel Vargas is from Cochas Chico in the El Tambo district of Huancayo province and has been gaining mastery of the Huancayan art of engraving gourds since he was a teenager. Known as mates, the dried gourds are decorated using various engraving and burning techniques. Daniel's design, created by hand, transforms the dried mate gourd into a finely detailed full-figured cat. The top half of the gourd can be lifted up using a painted wooden knob so that small items, accessories, or trinkets can be stored inside.

  • 45 grams
  • 1.59 oz
  • 8 cm H x 9 cm Diam.
  • 3.1" H x 3.5" Diam.

  • Dried mate gourd, quinual wood
  • Hand-crafted item -- colour, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Made in Peru
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Peruicon info
  • Product ID: 311250
  • Price includes VAT.
  • We will also cover duty and any import fees for items shipped from outside the United Kingdom.
Daniel Vargas
Daniel Vargas

The Andes

Traditional Andean mate gourd art

View full collection

Cause Badges

Preserving Traditions Preserving Traditions
Enabling Education Enabling Education
Job Creator Job Creator

Plus 2 more badges

Related Item

Customer Reviews

Purchased this? Leave your review.

Artist rating

Total reviews

27

Dei

From United States

Verified Reviewer

Jul 04, 2024

“Adorable Expression”

Perfect for earings, rings, as a night stand table or anywhere really. This little cat box is perfect!

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Serena

Verified Reviewer

Dec 18, 2023

“Love this Gourd!”

Awesome addition to my table!

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

dufzor

From Maine

Verified Reviewer

Sep 02, 2023

“Pic doesnt do this justice!”

I almost didnt buy. So glad I did! Large size and adorable! Talented artist!

Best Uses
  • Jewelry, small items

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Alice

Verified Reviewer

Sep 14, 2022

“cute”

Charming. This looks just like the picture and works great to hold trinkets.

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Kathy

Verified Reviewer

Jan 20, 2022

“What a delight!”

It s really cute, and so well made. Not sure I will use it as a jewelry box yet... for now it will be in the living room where I can show it off! Thank you, Daniel!

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Robynne

Verified Reviewer

Apr 18, 2021

“Just adorable”

This is an adorable, well made piece. My niece will love this - shes a teen and I think she will enjoy how beautiful it is and how functional as well.

Best Uses

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Dorma

Verified Reviewer

May 17, 2023

“One -of-a-kind gorgeous keepsake.”

The carving was done by an accomplished artist.

Purchased Item

Earth Tone Elephant, Dried Gourd with Burned Image of an Elephant from Peru

Gift Occasion
  • This was a gift for: Son
  • Occasion: Christmas

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Dorma

Verified Reviewer

May 17, 2023

“Unique keepsake”

Exquisite carving. A beautiful work of art.

Purchased Item

Owl's Wisdom, Mate Gourd Owl Decorative Container

Gift Occasion
  • This was a gift for: Daughter
  • Occasion: Christmas

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Ellen

Verified Reviewer

Oct 28, 2022

“Gorgeous ornaments”

These are so special and well made. A must for any owl lover!

Purchased Item

Sweet Guardians, Dried Mate Gourd Hanging Owl Ornaments from Peru (set of 3)

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Bluebird

From U.S.

Verified Reviewer

May 11, 2022

“Beautiful!”

Lovely color and detail! I gave this as a gift, and my Mom loved it : ) Thank you!

Purchased Item

Paunchy Red Owl, Dried Mate Gourd Box Painted in an Owl Motif from Peru

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Pat

Verified Reviewer

Mar 11, 2022

“charming owls”

love the decorative designs on these gourds for the xmas tree

Purchased Item

Night Watchmen, Artisan Crafted Dried Gourd Red Owl Ornaments (set of 3)

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Katybird

From Washington

Verified Reviewer

Jun 13, 2021

“Keep one and share others”

These owls are sweet! I kept one and have given the rest to friends and my mother. Great gift for bird lovers! Their subtle rattle is also fun.

Best Uses
  • Great gift to share
Purchased Item

Owl Sentries, Red Dried Mate Gourd Owl Ornaments from Peru (set of 4)

Gift Occasion
  • This was a gift for: Mother
  • Occasion: Mother's Day

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (1) No (0)

Your Purchase Makes a Difference!

Preserving Traditions

Preserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Enabling Education

Enabling Education

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Job Creator

Job Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Moving On Up

Moving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Caring for Children

Caring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Customer & Stylist Suggestions

Meet the Artist
Daniel Vargas

Daniel Vargas Traditional Andean mate gourd art

(27)

"I like innovation and take great care with the quality of my work. I always want to give my best."

"I was born in Huancayo province in 1984. My parents emigrated there from Ayacucho in the 1980s to flee the terrorism in the region. I'm the... read more

Dried mate gourd decorative box, Earth Tone Elephant Zoom icon
24.99
Dried mate gourd decorative box, Owls Wisdom Zoom icon
20.99
Dried mate gourd decorative box, Paunchy Red Owl Zoom icon
27.99
Dried mate gourd decorative boxes, Singing Owls Zoom icon
37.99
Dried mate gourd decorative boxes, Fortunate Owls (pair) Zoom icon
37.99
Dried mate gourd ornaments, The Flowering Season (set of 3) Zoom icon
37.99
Dried mate gourd ornaments, Moon Birds (set of 3) Zoom icon
41.99
Dried mate gourd ornaments, Night Watchmen (set of 3) Zoom icon
35.99
View all
icon up