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Destination Peru
Chulucanas Ceramics:
Revived Pre-Colombian Art Form in the 21st Century
By Tanilee Eichelberger

From high-end galleries to eBay and online fair trade world markets, Chulucanas ceramics made on Peru's Northern coast near the Sechura desert are receiving international recognition. The revived art form dates back to the Vicus community in 500 B.C. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism recently named Chulucanas ceramics as one of Peru's top seven exports, boasting a 224% increase in export sales from 2004 to 2005.

The negative smoke resisting techniques were lost for nearly 2000 years when in the late 1960s a group of ceramicists formed “Sanoc Camayoc” (Masters of Clay) with the goal of rediscovering pre-Colombian techniques found in burial sites of the Vicus tribe. Nearly 20 years later, when only terra cotta pots were being produced in the area, the ancient negative resistant technique was revived. Today there are over 700 workshops dedicated to preserving this highly sophisticated pre-Colonial art form.

You may be wondering by now: how did they do it? First, artists search for clay along the Piura and Chira Rivers, mixing it with water. Once proper consistency is attained the ceramics take form in one of two methods. Though less common today, slabs can be laid out on the ground and repeatedly stepped on until the desired thickness is obtained. For many, this is the first step in the contouring process. Others begin directly with a hand- turning technique using a wooden paddle and smooth stone on each side of the clay to obtain the desired thickness. Slapping the wooden paddle against the clay with the stone behind it also rids the clay of any air pockets.

After the clay is sun-dried, it is painted with mineral oxides known as slip or englobe. Next, they are placed into a brick kiln. Vessels are then taken out and the areas that have been selected to retain color are painted again. Any part of the vase that did not receive the second coat of paint absorbs the smoke to bring a deep espresso color creating the dramatic contrast in color. Vessles are then smoked twice in smoldering mango leaves and when taken out, the englobe is washed off, revealing the contrasting white or lighter color.

A growing concern for the ancient art form is the continued use of zapote for fuel, as it is a native plant facing extinction. Because of its scarcity, artisans are forced to search for alternatives to zapote as a source of fuel. Today, cornhusks are commonly used, and provide artisans with the same quality of fuel.

Chulucanas ceramics represent a segment of Peruvian culture with their bold presence of classic colors coupled with sleek and simple contours. Aside from vases and plates, scenes and motifs depicting the rich culture of Peru's northern coast can be found including stunningly detailed Marinera and Tondero local colonial dances.

Chulucana Shopping Tips

Shoppers beware! There is a wide variety of quality out there on the market. How do you know if you are being quoted a fair price? Here are just a couple of tips to recognize the quality of good work and authenticity.

Newton College's Early Years curriculum.

• Examine the point of contact and contrast in light and dark coloring. Many poorer quality pieces will not maintain the deep espresso color resulting from proper smoking of the vessels.
• If done by traditional techniques, the pieces will be resistant to water. Many imposters paint the pieces instead of using negative smoke resistant techniques, resulting in deterioration of the black coloring on the pieces after water exposure. Ask the vender if it is water resistant.
• Because pieces are hand made they should not be perfectly symmetrical. Slight variations in thickness are a sign of authenticity.

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