In the Awajún universe, producing pottery is the product of a dynamic relationship between knowledge, ritual, and mythical narration. The designs painted on the ceramics normally have some type of geometric pattern that reflect elements found in nature like parts of animals, plants, fish, and leaves.
On December 14 2021, the Awajún were recognized by UNESCO who declared the values, knowledge, wisdom and practices of the Awajún people associated with ceramics as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting the value of this art that is passed down from generation to generation.
This pottery is made with all natural food-grade ingredients and is safe to use for food and beverages.
Dimensions (approximate): 15cm x 3.5cm / 16m x 4.5cm
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In the Awajún universe, producing art is the product of a dynamic relationship between knowledge, ritual, and mythical narration. In their worldview, there are three powerful beings: Nugkui (spirit of the earth), Etsa (spirit of the forest) and Tsuqki (spirit of the water).
In the Awajún universe, producing pottery is the product of a dynamic relationship between knowledge, ritual, and mythical narration. The learning of such an art is part of the dékamu or ancestral knowledge of the Awajún women, a knowledge that allows them the ability to transform the rainforest elements with their own hands. For this, the women have extensive knowledge of the elements available to them in the jungle and comply with certain restrictions for extracting materials. Central to this process is the Awajún relationship with Nugkui (Mother of the Earth), who taught the Awajún women to live in harmony with nature, knowledge to sow, and to care for plants and seeds.
The chachamamu or designs painted on the ceramics normally have some type of geometric pattern that reflect elements found in nature such as attributes of animals, plants, fish, and leaves. These patterns can also be seen and manifested into a design during the use of medicinal plants.
The materials used in the fabrication of Awajún ceramics are various types of river clay or duwé, tree barks, tree ashes, leaves, natural latex, tree resins, plant fruits and seeds. In combination, all these elements help to fortify the clay and reduce porosity while creating vibrant colors and a natural sheen. For this reason, Awajún ceramics are both decorative and safe for using with food and beverage.
The unique handcrafted pieces of Awajún jewelry are made of different types of seeds such as kumpia, wayampai, chichao, huayruru, and tuju, and are gathered by Awajún women. The different size seeds accommodate the different patterns being replicated in the jewelry, some more intricate than others. The majority of these pieces are necklaces or bracelets.
