Ecuadorian Folk Art Knife
24 Days
16
0
$80.00
Troy
Description
Condition
Payment Types Accepted
VenmoThe Blade: The Practical Component
The most telling detail is the stamp on the blade: Tramontina Made in Brazil Stainless. * The Brand: Tramontina is a massive Brazilian manufacturer. They are the Victorinox of South America, known for making reliable, mass-produced kitchen knives and tools. • The Context: In the 2000s (and still today), it was very common for artisans in Ecuador and Peru to purchase high-quality, inexpensive industrial blades from Tramontina and then re-handle them with elaborate, hand-carved designs to sell as high-end souvenirs or decorative art. 2. The Artistry: Handle and Sheath The soul of this piece is entirely Ecuadorian. This style is often found in artisan hubs like Otavalo or Cuenca. • Materials: The dark, polished tip on the handle and the curved end of the sheath appear to be bovine (cow or ox) horn, which is a traditional material for Andean carvers. The rest of the body is likely a mixture of carved wood and perhaps a resin-based composite used to achieve those fine, sculptural details. • The Imagery: The carvings are a mix of Green Man aesthetics and local folklore. You can see a bearded, forest-spirit face on the sheath and what appears to be a serpent or a crouching figure on the hilt. The inlaid gems are likely glass or polished local stones like sodalite or jasper. • The Style: This is often referred to as fantasy folk art. It isn't a traditional weapon used for a specific task; rather, it's a showpiece designed to showcase the carver's imagination and technical skill with organic materials. 3. Historical Context Buying this in the 2000s fits perfectly with the boom in Ecuadorian artisan markets catering to international travelers looking for unique, mystical hand-crafted items. While the blade itself is a utility tool, the handle and sheath turn it into a unique piece of sculpture.
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Ecuadorian Folk Art Knife
24 Days
16
0
$80.00
Troy
Description
Condition
Payment Types Accepted
VenmoThe Blade: The Practical Component
The most telling detail is the stamp on the blade: Tramontina Made in Brazil Stainless. * The Brand: Tramontina is a massive Brazilian manufacturer. They are the Victorinox of South America, known for making reliable, mass-produced kitchen knives and tools. • The Context: In the 2000s (and still today), it was very common for artisans in Ecuador and Peru to purchase high-quality, inexpensive industrial blades from Tramontina and then re-handle them with elaborate, hand-carved designs to sell as high-end souvenirs or decorative art. 2. The Artistry: Handle and Sheath The soul of this piece is entirely Ecuadorian. This style is often found in artisan hubs like Otavalo or Cuenca. • Materials: The dark, polished tip on the handle and the curved end of the sheath appear to be bovine (cow or ox) horn, which is a traditional material for Andean carvers. The rest of the body is likely a mixture of carved wood and perhaps a resin-based composite used to achieve those fine, sculptural details. • The Imagery: The carvings are a mix of Green Man aesthetics and local folklore. You can see a bearded, forest-spirit face on the sheath and what appears to be a serpent or a crouching figure on the hilt. The inlaid gems are likely glass or polished local stones like sodalite or jasper. • The Style: This is often referred to as fantasy folk art. It isn't a traditional weapon used for a specific task; rather, it's a showpiece designed to showcase the carver's imagination and technical skill with organic materials. 3. Historical Context Buying this in the 2000s fits perfectly with the boom in Ecuadorian artisan markets catering to international travelers looking for unique, mystical hand-crafted items. While the blade itself is a utility tool, the handle and sheath turn it into a unique piece of sculpture.
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