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Latin and
Caribbean Art:
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Damasquinados
Damascening is the application of gold or
silver on iron or steel to produce a decorative pattern. Egyptians,
Greeks and Romans practiced this art long ago; Greek tradition names
as the inventor of this art Glaucus of Chios, a Greek sculptor of
the VI century B.C. Around the XV century it became popular in
Europe, and at present the art work produced in Toledo, Spain is
famous all over the world. |
| The procedure used mainly by
the artisans is to cover the surface of the object lengthwise and
across with fine, narrow grooves, by means of sharp steel cutting
tools. Then gold threads or fine wires are taken and the decorative
pattern drawn, the wire being pressed into grooves by means of a
steel punch. In order that the gold is perfectly retained it is
hammered in with a small punch and a hammer. Afterwards the part is
blued using the same procedure as employed for blueing
firearms. |
El Torero Damasquinado Picture,
P-003-SP, $110
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Flamenco DamasquinadoPicture,
P-004-SP, $110 |
The procedure used mainly
by the artisans is to cover the surface of the object lengthwise and
across with fine, narrow grooves, by means of sharp steel cutting
tools. Then gold threads or fine wires are taken and the decorative
pattern drawn, the wire being pressed into grooves by means of a
steel punch. In order that the gold is perfectly retained it is
hammered in with a small punch and a hammer. Afterwards the part is
blued using the same procedure as employed for blueing
firearms. |
We are pleased to
present the finest damascening from Toledo, with a guarantee that
our pieces are made with 24 carat yellow gold and 18 carat green
gold, inlaid with a minimum thickness of 3 micron. All work is done
by hand.
Given the many cultural influences in
Spain, there are several patterns in our Damasquinados pictures and
plates. Some reflect Islamic patterns while others reflect
renaissance motifs such as birds and flowers. Typical scenes from
flamenco dancing, bullfights, and the famous Quixote are some of the
scenes depicted in our attractive and delicate pictures and plates.
We hope you enjoy our selection of ethnic
art! |
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Priest and Shaman in
Corpus
Christi Celebration. Click on
picture for details.
Item
#P002-EC, $150.
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Tigua
Paintings
The people of Tigua are farmers living in
small communities nestled in the valleys and perched on the
windswept slopes of the Andes Mountains in rural Ecuador. Living
much as they have lived for centuries, families eke out an existence
by herding sheep and llamas and cultivating a variety of potatoes
and grains. Their customs, and indeed their paintings, still reflect
their ancient heritage. In the time of the Incas and before, the
artists were among the most respected members of society. Present
day artists of Tigua have the same recognition their ancestors
commanded
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| The artists are men, but
slowly women are beginning to paint as well. The sheep provide meat
and wool as well as hides for the painters. The people have always
used the hides to make drums and decorated them for these festivals
and fiestas. Hide canvasses are prepared by first soaking the skin
in water mixed with chlorine. After five days the wool is easily
removed and the hide is washed with soap, dried and washed again to
remove the odor. Finally, still wet, it is stretched over the drum
ends or a wood frame. Most painters use bright acrylic paints to
minimize the toxic effects of enamel paints. |
Andean Corpus Christi
celebration. Click on picture for details. Item #P001-EC,
$150
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The paintings of Tigua
depict village life against a backdrop of jutting snow-capped peaks
and ice blue skies. Scenes of villagers herding sheep, harvesting
crops or celebrating weddings and baptisms are popular. The giant
condor is often depicted flying majestically over Cotopaxi, one of
the highest peaks of Ecuador. Paintings of healing rituals performed
by the village shaman and religious ceremonies dating back to
pre-Inca times attest to the continued importance of these
traditions to the indigenous people.
The enthusiastic reception to the art of
Tigua has had some beneficial effects on the community. There are
now 35 painters and mask makers. Many artists use the income from
painting to build new and sturdier houses and many painters still
live in the traditional houses with thatch roofs and drafty walls.
Previously many men were forced to seek work in the cities of
Ecuador. Now, those who paint can spend more time with their
families and in general, life has become more stable and
secure.
We hope that you’ll enjoy our Tigua
Paintings! A rich and unique ethnic art from
Ecuador.
Source: Pintores de Tigua by Dr. J.
Colvin.
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The Moon, P018-EC, $150
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Night Healing, P022-EC, $150
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Sunrise, P020-EC, $150, SOLD!
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Purple Dawn, P023-EC, $150, SOLD!
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Men Weaving, P020-EC, $150
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Making Chica, P021-EC,
$150
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