Mantaro Valley Gourd Vessel

A visual celebration of rural life in the Peruvian Andes, Mantaro Valley Gourd Vessel by Tito Medina is a masterwork of miniature storytelling. Hand-carved into the natural surface of a dried gourd, the vessel depicts scenes of daily life in the Valle del Mantaro—farmers, animals, mountains, and churches rendered in astonishing detail. Every inch is etched with care, from the swirling decorative bands to the meticulously labeled panorama.
Perched on a silver-toned tripod base and topped with a delicate silver leaf stem, this piece is both sculptural and symbolic. The contrast between the organic texture of the gourd and the metallic embellishments gives it a timeless quality, while the complexity of the design invites viewers to explore its narrative like a visual folktale.