This mirror reflects the festive traditions of the Andes, when people wear colorful and sometimes mystical masks to celebrate their patron saint. Alejandro Chavez crafts each mask by hand of ceramic. Known as a retablo, the diorama's intricate hand-shaped figurines are housed in a colorful wood chest.
About the Artist: Peruvian artisan Alejandro Chavez specializes in the creations of retablos, a kind of reverent diorama-altar unique to the Ayacucho region of Peru. He learned this technique as a boy in school, when he was 17 years old and living in Ayacucho, where his parents moved when he was just 2 years old. When Chavez returned to his hometown, he began working in the studio of Angel Castro, a master artisan. Here he refined his techniques in the creation of retablos, eagerly learning the art from his teacher. Later, Chavez formed his own workshop after the death of his teacher and began to give shape to his art. The customs and traditions of the Andean people emerge in every piece.
The Alejandro Chavez Artisan Collection is brought to you by Novica in Association with National Geographic. This beautiful piece was handcrafted by Alejandro Chavez in Peru. An artisan story card will be included with your purchase.