Etched gourds have been a tradition in Peru, with early examples dating back 3,500 years. Some gourds serve as calendars depicting important cyclical events and holidays; others tell folkloric stories. Some of the gourd crafts have evolved into more decorative designs, though still using the traditional techniques.

This Nativity Gourd Ornament has a beautiful Christmas scene that is etched and burned by hand. The ornament is created by an artisan with Manos Amigas (Hands of Friendship), a Peruvian organization that gives twenty percent of its profits to help fund social welfare projects, like school scholarships, uniforms, and a meal program for poor children.

The Nativity Gourd Ornament and many festive holiday ornaments are sold by SERRV, a nonprofit organization in the United States that works to eradicate poverty around the world. By supporting artisans through training and finding markets for their products, SERRV helps to preserve the variety of handcraft traditions in Peru and more than 30 other countries.

Purchase handcrafted ornaments and learn more about SERRV.

Submitted by SERRV.org