Monumental 22" Peruvian Hand Carved Mate Burilado Storyteller Gourd Rattle - Vintage

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Description

An extraordinary, museum-scale masterwork of traditional South American folk art, this monumental 22-inch long Peruvian mate burilado (hand-carved gourd) showcases … Read more An extraordinary, museum-scale masterwork of traditional South American folk art, this monumental 22-inch long Peruvian mate burilado (hand-carved gourd) showcases breathtakingly detailed pyro-engraved and fine-chiseled pictorial storytelling. While most Andean narrative gourds are small, handheld objects, this magnificent statement piece functions as a dramatic, elongated three-dimensional canvas.

The surface features a dense, deeply etched continuous horizon depicting a rich narrative of traditional Andean village life. Microscopic vignettes reveal village architecture with finely detailed tiled roofs, pastoral herders tending to a lively livestock caravan of alpacas and cattle, and an abundant agricultural harvest scene featuring baskets piled high with native crops and decorative pottery. The opposing side beautifully showcases the rich, fire-shaded tiger-striping achieved through traditional hand-scorching techniques. The crown and base are framed with highly intricate geometric zig-zag borders, diamond patterns, and sharp fine-line fretwork.

Acoustic Rattle Feature: True to its ancient ethnographic roots as a ceremonial instrument, the gourd is structurally whole and completely intact, housing its original dried seeds inside. It emits a beautiful, soft, rhythmic sound when handled or shaken.

Designer's Note: Objects of this monumental scale infuse modern, minimalist, and eclectic spaces with rich, soulful global texture. Unlike typical bulbous or spherical story gourds, this piece boasts a rare, dramatically elongated, wand-like silhouette. Measuring an impressive 22 inches long with a slender 3-inch diameter (9.5-inch circumference), its linear proportions make it exceptionally well-suited for narrow mantels, long dining table runners, or nestled alongside books on a deep console shelf. Its warm palette of sienna, toasted honey, and deep charcoal black pairs effortlessly with raw timber, natural linen, and terra cotta tones. Please see the final photo for a close-up detail of the natural surface wear on the reverse side.

* Length: 22.0 inches
* Width (Diameter): 3.0 inches
* Height: 3.0 inches (when resting flat horizontally)
* Circumference: 9.5 inches (at the widest part of the belly)


This piece remains structurally whole, completely stable, and fully intact, retaining its delightful internal seed rattle. As is common with large, authentic organic folk art of this age, there are natural surface variations. Specifically, there is an area on the fire-shaded reverse side where the smooth outer patina has peeled away, exposing a rougher, darkened natural layer of the gourd rind. There are also minor, typical surface flakes near the pointed tip. Because this natural wear is confined strictly to the reverse panel, the main chiseled storytelling frieze displays beautifully and is completely unaffected.

The photos show the actual item. I have others from my collection listed separately and I will combine shipping if purchased together and shipped to the same location.

Please take the time to review all high-resolution photos closely as they form a large part of the description!

Very good vintage condition. Hard outer rind remains exceptionally rigid and structurally sound. No cracks, deep splits, holes or structural flaws. Incised line work remains remarkable crisp and deep with wonderful natural aging patina. Natural variations in shape, texture, and coloration are present, which are characteristic of natural gourd mediums and artisan handmade items.

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