How did gourds end up in Peru?

Pink opal and quartz choker, 'Masterpiece'

Peruvian designer Ilaria creates a jeweled masterpiece with pink opals and quartz crystals. Her original design proudly bears the influence of Inca elegance, which is cast of Peruvian silver. .950 rating silver.

Amethyst choker, 'Violet Teardrop'

Ilaria links two sterling chains in a delicate circlet. Centered by an amethyst, it features a long gemstone pendant. Silver diamonds and crystal quartz culminate in a lilac teardrop. Lemon quartz graces both sides of the choker. .925 rating silver

Amazonite necklace, 'Reign of Sparrows'

Ilaria celebrates Nature with the spectacular design of this necklace. The central pendant features two argent sparrows flying towards amazonite treasures that continue to bathe the chain's silver flowers. Shimmering spheres dangle from this exquisite necklace as Ilaria transmits the distinctive elegance of Peruvian jewelries. .950 rating silver.

Gourd rhythm instrument, 'Birds and Flowers'

Hummingbirds hover over a nectar-filled blossom, their busy wings whirring. The vivid image adorns a huiro by Tito Medina. He crafts it from a mate gourd, using a sharp burin to carve the motifs before adding color with smoke and ash; a coat of varnish protects the piece. A rhythm instrument used since pre-Hispanic times, the huiro contains dried beans that rattle when it is shaken; in addition, a row of grooves adorns one side ? these are scraped with a polished eucalyptus wood stick for an interesting sound. There may be slight variations in tone, form, or imagery from those pictured; they ensure the uniqueness of the artwork.

Bamboo zampoņa panpipes, 'Malta Profesional'

From Dionisio Quilla comes this delightful zampoņa, a bamboo panpipe of glorious tunes that recall the wind blowing across the majestic Peruvian highlands. zampoņa is an essential instrument to accompany the folk music of Peru and especially the high Andes, where this instrument is widely used.

This zampoņa is considered to be of superior, professional quality - hence Malta Professional, for it comprises two tiers of flutes, one of six the other of seven pipes, to procure the perfect pitch. With a lifetime dedicated to the elaboration of Peruvian traditional instruments, Quilla states, "The making of professional instruments is a delicate endeavor - not only because of the special material but also for the tonalities it's meant to produce."

Quilla displays his expertise by carefully selecting the bamboo reeds according to the notes he wishes to produce and holds the reeds together with a small wooden slab. A brightly colored wool band creates a stunning decorative accent and includes an equally colorful sheep wool encasing. Enjoy the harmonious melodies of Peru with the sweet sounds of this zampoņa.

Wool backpack, 'Andean Rainbow'

Rainbow colors illuminate handloomed wool, expressed in natural dyes as stripes and pre-Hispanic motifs. Working with his family, Faustino Maldonado transforms the fabric into a handsome backpack. Its convenient front pocket closes with buttons crafted from the mate gourd.

Wool rug, 'Fish and Frogs' (2x3)

Triangles conjure angel fish swimming nose to nose. Surrounded by geometric motifs, they grace a radiant rug by Zosimo Laura. A rich combination of earth tones and pastels settles beautifully on cream-colored wool. Titled "Ranas y Peces" in Spanish.

Leather backpack bag, 'Maroon Inca Pathways'

Elegant and versatile, this bag is shaped like a backpack with adjustable straps. It has three external pockets, two adorned with insets of handloomed wool.The bag features an inner pocket with zipper closure. The design is by Renzo Dante Costa.

Leather and cedar accent table, 'Cumbres, Country Collection'

"This table is from my latest 'Country' collection," explains Abel Rios as he presents this magnificent accent table. "The collection showcases my expertise with leather and wood, and features forged iron accents, a new field I'm currently exploring." Hand-crafted from cedar wood, the table stands on turned mohena wood legs. Rios finds a theme in Spanish colonial furniture for this lovely design.