Ayacucho Pottery has its origins in the Andean town of Ayacucho, Peru. While many of the Ayacucho artisans left the area and relocated in Lima due to the violence in Ayacucho, they retained the traditional techniques that are similar to the pre-Columbian technique used by the Wari culture.

The clay is sun-dried until pliable. Complex forms are shaped using the coil method. Simple forms are created with molds. The pieces are either painted before or after the firing. The themes depict local culture and religious scenes.

We work with several artisans who do this type of pottery. One association that we work with is Ichimay Wari. About a dozen artisans who migrated to the Lima area during the violent years make up this group. They live in a suburb of Lima called Lurin.

As Emilano (above), the current president of the cooperatives, states when he was growing up this type of pottery was not well-respected. His father used to discourage him from pottery making, telling him it was just made by people to trade for food and drink. He loved it anyway and while he studied carpentry to placate his father, he continued to perfect his pottery making skills.

Leonidas

Dionicio

With time, this unique style of pottery gained recognition and today it is truly appreciated for the work of art that it is. Atesania AACLA, an association in Quinua (near Ayacucho), is made up of 16 small workshops. This association was formed about 8 years ago in order to market their products outside the Ayacucho area. Like the other artisans we work with, these members have developed this art from since childhood having it passed from generation to generation.