Karajá Ceramic Sculpture - Anteater

Product Description

A small ceramic sculpture in the shape of an anteater produced by Karajá indigenous women and painted with natural pigments. A unique activity for women, the ceramic animals have a playful function and show the fauna present in the lives of the Karajá. It is through play that children of this ethnic group learn the stories, myths and values of their people. The small animals are unique pieces, made from clay and painted with the pigment of genipap fruits, which produces the black colour, and annatto, which results in the red colour.

The Karajá ethnic group occupies a vast region along the Araguaia and Javaé rivers in the Brazilian Center-West, south of the Amazon biome. There are currently 21 Karajá villages with an estimated population of 2,900 people. The different cultural manifestations of these people constitute an important support for the memory and identity not only of the indigenous nation, but also reference contact with non-indigenous people. Karajá graphics, crafts and feather art are some cultural references that transcend the space of the villages and present themselves as identification of the territory and regional culture.

Since these ceramic sculptures are made by hand in the Amazon rainforest, each has small imperfections, slightly different shapes and expressions. Fired clay colours as well as painted details and patterns will differ from piece to piece – each is truly unique with its small imperfections to be celebrated.

Details

Handmade by Karajá indigenous women in the Amazon, Brazil.

Animal: Anteater

Measurements: approximately 6 x 10 x 5cm

Material: Ceramic, natural black pigment from genipap fruits, natural red pigment from annatto.

Care: Do not get wet, or hand wash.