SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 13 August (EUROPE PRESS) –
An exhibition titled ‘Useful, ritual and aesthetic goods’ has been inaugurated by the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Candelaria Town Hall at the Cultural Hall of the Old Town Hall of Candelaria. The exhibition will be open for visitors until 25 September, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., except on 14 and 15 August when it will be closed.
This exhibition at the Tenerife Museum of Ibero-American Crafts (MAIT) is part of the promotional activities carried out by the Island Crafts Company, under the supervision of the Island Council.
Efraín Medina, the Minister for Employment and Education, highlighted the rich traditional culture of crafts in Peru, which is prominently displayed through various artifacts such as pottery, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, basketry, and spinning. “That is why, from the Cabildo de Tenerife, we wanted to showcase their exceptional work,” he added.
The engravings on gourds, ceramics, and fabrics reflect the beauty standards of the Peruvian people. They also embody their emotions, struggles, bewilderments, and aspirations. Through their art, craftsmen from all corners of the country express their experiences and their desire for society to pay attention to them.
The exhibition showcases a variety of artisanal pieces from the country, including works by two renowned artists – Edilberto Mérida, known for his grotesque ceramics depicting unpolished Indians with tormented features and giant feet; and the Cusco sculptor Antonio Olave and The Mendivil Family, famous for their sculptures of Saints and Ladies with Long Necks, along with silverware and textiles.
Also featured are creations by the Shipibo Indians: painted fabrics, dolls, and pottery adorned with fine, straight lines used to store the fermented yuca drink called masato. Similar decorative elements can be seen on their cotton textiles.
Noteworthy are the pieces from Pucara, showcasing bulls and horses bearing distinctive ornamentation used during the herranza festival in August. There are also works crafted from calabash or mate fruit, which were traditionally used by the people of Peru to store water and food, serving as substitutes for ceramics. Today, these pieces have evolved into intricate artistic carvings that narrate tales of everyday life in specific regions of the country.
This folk art has stood the test of time and continues to thrive through innovative works that maintain creativity and originality. These pieces adapt external influences to cater to the evolving needs of consumers.
