ethnic decor

Teodolinda Seguil of Peru handcrafts this decorative box made from a dried mate gourd. Using a chisel, the artisan carves a magnificent scene of harvest gathering and celebration.

The natural gourd dictates the final form of each piece, thus slight variations in shape and color should be expected.

Akha artisan Thikaporn is proud to present this stunning headdress, hand-crafted by her own mother, Sadaporn. She adorns the cotton headdress with an aluminum trapezoid cap as well as beads and pendants. A waterfall of Thai coins dating from 1952 to 1965 is flanked by multicolored beads carved of little leaf boxwood and glass. Colorful feathers complete the stunning design of this headdress.

Originally from Yunan in China, Akha people live in Thailand's northern hills. Akha women are well known for their spectacular traditional costumes which include a headdress, a jacket worn over a halter-like garment, a short skirt, a sash with decorated ends, and leggings. Akha people are a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve their ancestral values through their traditional skills and knowledge. Akhas believe in continuity and see themselves as a link in the chain of life, which includes birth, procreation, the preservation of the Akha way of life – which venerates family life – and death, seen as a meeting with their ancestors.

Breathtakingly beautiful, this stunning decorative headdress is styled after those designed for a bride. Akha artisan Thikaporn is proud to present this admirable headdress, handcrafted by her own mother, Sadaporn. She adorns the cotton headdress with an aluminum trapezoidal cap as well as multicolor pompoms. A waterfall of aluminum coins featuring dragons is flanked by multicolored glass beads to complete the grand design of this wedding headdress.

Originally from Yunan in China, Akha people live in Thailand's northern hills. Akha women are well known for their spectacular traditional costumes which include a headdress, a jacket worn over a halter-like garment, a short skirt, a sash with decorated ends, and leggings. Akha people are a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve their ancestral values through their traditional skills and knowledge. Akhas believe in continuity and see themselves as a link in the chain of life, which includes birth, procreation, the preservation of the Akha way of life – which venerates family life – and death, seen as a meeting with their ancestors.

Originally from Yunan in China, Akha people live in Thailand's northern hills. Akha women are well known for their spectacular traditional costumes which include a headdress, a jacket worn over a halter-like garment, a short skirt, a sash with decorated ends, and leggings. Akha artisan Thikaporn is proud to present this stunning headdress, hand-crafted by her own mother, Sadaporn. She adorns the cotton headdress with myriad aluminum beads and pendants, as well as Thai coins dating from 1952 to 1965. Brightly colored beads carved of little leaf boxwood and glass, as well as feathers, complete the stunning design of this headdress.

The Akha people are a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve their ancestral values through their traditional skills and knowledge. Akhas believe in continuity and see themselves as a link in the chain of life, which includes birth, procreation, the preservation of the Akha way of life – which venerates family life – and death, seen as a meeting with their ancestors.

A majestic bird flies over a garden created by Asunta Pelaez. She paints the scene by hand on the reverse side of glass to grace a mirror frame. This fascinating art form is unique to the Cajamarca region of Peru.

This charming decorative accent from Peru depicts a Christian nativity scene. Wearing traditional Andean clothing, Joseph and Mary look over baby Jesus below a red Christmas tree. Resting within the tree are three little angels. Crafted of ceramic and painted by hand, this decorative accent is created by Feriberto Aylas.

Whether decorating for a party or for every day, this fabric floral garland will brighten up your room. Hand crafted by Maria Uyauri of Peru, the garland can be draped over your own display rod.

About her work, Maria Uyauri says, "Each of my designs with their cheerful colors is meant to fill your home with happiness, love and peace."

Asunta Pelaez creates a mood of romance serenaded by joyous songbirds. Delicately painted by hand, bright flowers appear everywhere on this extravagant wall mirror. Its graceful lines and gilded borders are sensuous and elegant.

Leonor Quispe gives an Andean setting to the very first Christmas. While the Wise Men wend their way to the stable, an angel hovers above the manger to watch over the Holy Family. In the sky, the Christmas star illuminates whitewashed homes that cluster amid cactus. Quispe works in the traditional art of arpillera (patchwork) to create this extraordinary wall hanging. Each tiny figure is crafted in three dimensions and lavishly embroidered by hand. A display rod (not included) can be slipped through two loops at the top.

Bright bold colors cut across the woolen expanse of these cushion covers, bringing with them reminiscences of Inca artistry. Faustino Maldonado weaves the pair of on a traditional handloom, with threads that have been dyed with natural pigments. A slot opening permits insertion of the cushions.

The excitement of the Danza de las Tijeras (scissors dance) permeates this beautiful sculpture. Dressed in vivid colors, competing participants execute contortionist-like maneuvers while holding a pair of scissors in the right hand. John Barrow depicts the dancer in native Andean woods. The statuette receives its colors from wood stains and gilt to form part of a series called "Folklore."

This decorative wood box, hand-carved from rich mahogany, stands ready to hold your most cherished treasures. Artisan Sarwaedi of Bali carves and paints the box and its lid in rich colors with gilded accents. The floral motif evokes the lush gardens of Indonesia.