Offered in this lot is a Rare Vintage Peruvian Carved Gourd Rattle, signed. Exquisite workmanship in a hand etched and carved gourd depicting Peruvian village life. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and Snite Museum of Art, the University of Notre Dame. Skillfully detailed handi-work showing men, women, fields, and cattle, complete with a floral background blended with the landscape and decorating the upper geometric designs. The art of gourd carving has been practiced in Peru for more than 4,000 years, with artisans using gourds, or mates burilados, to tell both communal and personal stories. Gourd art is the oldest and most traditional example of Peruvian handicraft. The varying shades of black, orange and brown are due to varying the pressure and time of application of the heated metal carving tool, called burin, used in the burning process. The designs are not painted on the gourd, but rather etched and burnt, in a process similar to wood burning. In Peru, most gourds are grown along the coastal landscape and are traded to artisans who live in mountain villages. The main carving areas are in the mountains to the south east with particular focus on the Huancayo area. From here the finished gourds are delivered to the major market towns of the country such as Cuzco, Ayacucho and Lima. This carved gourd rattle is in nice condition, the carved scenes are clear demonstrating amazing detail. Measures 3.5"W diameter x 3"H approximate.*