In Pre-Columbian times, decorated gourds were used throughout the Andes.

Gourd vessels were elaborately etched in scenes that told stories - the latest news or ancient legends.

Vessels thus decorated were used locally but also to carry messages between regions.

Now, the only area where this 2000 year old tradition survives is in the twin villages of Cocha Chicas and Cochas Grandes, a short drive from the city of Huancayo.

Today they're an excellent natural and sustainable way to decorate your Christmas tree, mantle etc. for the holidays.

Christmas ornaments are a present idea that will remind the recipient of your thoughtfulness year after year.

These detailed ornaments from whole gourds will be a great addition to any Christmas tree.

These are individual and natural artworks, so gourd sizes and artistic designs will vary slightly.

Gourds are available in a variety of sizes, so artisans usually contract with growers for a certain approximate size in the sowing season, October. The gourds are ready to be worked the following June.

The gourds are smooth on the outside and velvety on the inside. The sun-dried gourd is trimmed and washed, readying it for decoration.

Decorations are carved, etched and burned into the gourd. Sometimes they are only burned or "toasted", making a design with softer edges than those with carved or etched designs.

After a gourd is decorated, it is washed again, and then dried further in a kiln or over a flame. Sometimes a gourd is further decorated by being rewashed and finished.

We hope you'll help us support these Peruvian artisans - their fairly traded Christmas ornaments will make an excellent positive social and environmental statement in your household.

Sizes are approximately 2.5 - 3" high and about 1.5 - 2" diameter at the base.

Shipping is a flat $5.99 per order no matter how many items you order within the US. Outside the US shipping is a flat $9.99 per order.