Traditions of Africa & Asia

Traditions of Latin America

Featured Artists

Abel Rios

Andes tooled leather furniture and decor accents

At the age of 16 I joined my brother's workshop where I learned to work with leather. At 21, I set up my own workshop and began to create the wood and leather pieces that I am known for. I love the history that I am able to bring to my work. Since colonial times, leather and wood have been combined to create many practical and decorative pieces of furniture and art. My style is distinct and detailed. I use motifs from Peruvian culture and my workshop is known for quality. I love this art and enjoy teaching my workers the skills that were generously taught to me. Many of my workers have gone on to open their own workshops. This gives me pleasure - this is how we keep the art alive. View Collection

At the age of 16 I joined my brother's workshop where I learned to work with leather. At 21, I set... read more

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Nestor Yana

Andes alpaca apparel and throws

Nestor's mother is from Juliaca in the Peruvian altiplano. She taught Nestor to weave and he, in turn, has taught his wife, his two children and his employees. He finds his inspiration in traditional Peruvian art and constantly searches art and history books to refine his craft. View Collection

Nestor's mother is from Juliaca in the Peruvian altiplano. She taught Nestor to weave and he, in... read more

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Thikaporn

Thailand

I am a member of the Akha hill tribe. My father crafted decor accents, and traveled to Bangkok to sell them. I began working with handwoven bulrush handbags, embellished with Northern Thai patterned fabrics and the creative embroidery unique to the Akha people, who are skillful at needlework. Akha people earned very little from their routine work because their education level is not high, and some have no education at all. I am very happy to show what my people can do. View Collection

I am a member of the Akha hill tribe. My father crafted decor accents, and traveled to Bangkok to... read more

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Maldonado Family

Andes alpaca and wool weavings

The Maldonado's hometown, Hualhuas, is a renowned textile center. It is there that Faustino and his wife learned to weave from their parents, who learned from their parents before them. The Maldonado family motto defines what it means to be a Keeper of the Arts - "I will never let go of either my grandfather or grandson's hands, for what I have learned from the elders, I will teach to the young." View Collection

The Maldonado's hometown, Hualhuas, is a renowned textile center. It is there that Faustino and his... read more

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Eufrosia Pantaleon

Mexico colorful ceramic masks, suns and moons

Eufrosia uses traditional techniques taught by elder members of the Nahua community where she was born. The colorful style dates from the 1950s, but the ceramic tradition has its roots in pre-Hispanic times. The artisan passes down her knowledge to her children who will continue creating handicrafts of culturally significance. View Collection

Eufrosia uses traditional techniques taught by elder members of the Nahua community where she was... read more

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Teodoro Melendez and Family

Andes sterling silver and gemstone jewelry

Exposed to the unique designs of pre-Hispanic culture by his father, an archeologist and museum curator, Teodoro turned his interest into a livelihood. He learned the hammering, stamping, burning and casting techniques of early craftsmen, using them to create unique jewelry steeped in the culture of ancient Peru. Through his family workshop, he continues to pass these techniques to other artisans. Teodoro has dedicated his lifeÃ¯Â¿Â½??s work to perpetuating pre-Hispanic jewelry design and production techniques, many of which he was introduced to by Victor Larco, the founder of the Pre-Columbian Museum in Lima. View Collection

Exposed to the unique designs of pre-Hispanic culture by his father, an archeologist and museum... read more

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Ruben and Gilda Perez

Central America handcrafted jade jewelry and Maya masks

Ruben and Gilda's parents taught them the value of hard work and that art is an expression of culture. Many of their designs include jade, which was highly valued by ancient civilizations in the area and used as ornaments, tools, and burial artifacts. Their artwork is often a reflection of Guatemalan culture and they used techniques passed down over generations. View Collection

Ruben and Gilda's parents taught them the value of hard work and that art is an expression of... read more

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Raquel and Gregor

Andes alpaca accessories

Raquel and Gregor are dedicated to preserving the traditions woven into Peruvian culture from pre-Incan times. Like many before them, they learned their textile craft from elders in the community and they pass their knowledge to the younger artisans who work with them. Each piece produced in their workshop is woven on a wooden floor loom and finished by hand. Created from natural fibers - alpaca, cotton and silk - their work echoes the natural colors of the Peruvian landscape, reverberating with the rich hues of the mountains, the jungle and the coast. View Collection

Raquel and Gregor are dedicated to preserving the traditions woven into Peruvian culture from... read more

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