Teodolinda Seguil

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I'm a happy representative of Huancayo, Peru. The province is known for its enchanting landscapes, its people and our customs.

I'm responsible and cheerful, though I'll fight to get ahead for my family. I believe that when a woman is happy, she transmits it, and this is true in the workshop as well. I want to transmit my happiness through my mate gourds. "Huancayo is the home of many talented artisans. I'm from a small town of friendly, welcoming people who are enterprising and progressive. Many of us are artisans who work in engraved dried mate gourds. Here, skilled hands depict images that tell the stories and share the dreams of life in Andean villages.

"I've loved this art for as long as I can remember. My grandparents engraved gourds and so did my parents, so they began teaching me how to use the tools at an early age. With my family's guidance, I learned to select and treat the gourds, to prepare my own tools and to decorate and paint the finished engravings.

"It took constancy and perseverance to carry on this craft but, as time went by, I perfected my technique. I love depicting scenes of daily life in the Andes, and sharing the culture and traditions of my hometown. My mate gourds show that we are a region of caring people, incredible landscapes, a wonderful climate and colorful festivities with music and dance. I bring these images to all my work because they are a part of me and who I am as an artist.

"I feel a real passion for carrying on this art. It's the most wonderful gift that I could ever have received as an inheritance.

"One of my dreams is to be recognized as a master artisan in this world of engraved mate gourds. I always want to be the best I can be, and leave my children the best I have to give. I want to share the happiness I feel when the world takes an interest in our culture and way of life."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.