UNESCO and Cultural Ministry Collaborate
UNESCO Peru, in partnership with the Directorate of Intangible Heritage at the Ministry of Culture, is launching a project titled “Strengthening and Promoting the Intergenerational Transmission of Knowledge and Values Related to the Production of Traditional Ceramics in Checca Pupuja.” This initiative aims to revitalize and pass on the artistry of Checca Pupuja ceramics to younger generations.
Highlighting Checca Pupuja Ceramics
Checca Pupuja ceramics are renowned for their iconic bull and horse figures known as the “Toro de Pucará,” historically sold at the nearby Pucará train station. While this craft has flourished since the late 19th century, traditional knowledge risks vanishing, given the insufficient transmission to youth. According to UNESCO, the project seeks to combat this decline by preserving this vital cultural heritage.
Workshops and Skill Development
The project has initiated information gathering within the Checca Pupuja community to catalog existing techniques and meanings tied to their traditional ceramics. Following this research, 40 educational sessions are being conducted, integrating practical and theoretical elements to enrich understanding of the craft’s rich history and techniques.
Hands-On Learning with Master Potters
Using methods developed alongside three master potters, young apprentices are participating in workshops designed to foster skill sharing and cultural continuity. They have also visited prominent potters like Franklin Mamani and Tater Vera to explore diverse techniques and trade practices, ultimately sparking creativity and innovation, as one apprentice noted.
Ceramic Exhibition at Candelaria Festival
The culmination of the workshop will see apprentices showcase their newly crafted ceramic pieces during the Virgin of Candelaria Festival in Puno. Set for February 4, this exhibition presents an opportunity for the apprentices and instructors to display the fruits of their labor to the community and officials alike. This initiative not only celebrates their craftsmanship but also intertwines their cultural roots with local festivities.
Educational Resources for Future Generations
In collaboration with UGEL Azángaro and the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Puno, training materials are also in development. These resources aim to support educational replication across schools in Azángaro, serving as a foundational platform for imparting traditional techniques to future artisans.
Empowering Young Creatives
Through this UNESCO initiative, young creatives from the Checca Pupuja community are not only learning about their cultural heritage but are also being equipped with practical skills to carry their tradition forward. This project embodies a bridge connecting past and future, ensuring that the art of ceramics endures in the hands of dedicated youth.
Rethinking Traditional Practices
The collaborative effort to revitalize traditional ceramics illustrates the importance of cultural heritage in today’s society. As Roger Ramos Puma, one of the apprentices, remarked, “I have learned that wonderful things can be made from clay, and that has motivated me.” The passion ignited in these young artisans speaks volumes about the transformative power of reconnecting with one’s roots.
According to UNESCO Peru, a new project aims to preserve the traditional ceramics of Checca Pupuja by mentoring youth. Ceramics known as “Toro de Pucará” face risk of extinction due to limited knowledge transfer. Workshops with master potters are underway, culminating in a public exhibition during the Virgin of Candelaria Festival. Educational materials are also being developed to spread these practices in local schools.
UNESCO Peru’s initiative to preserve Checca Pupuja’s traditional ceramics is vital for the cultural continuity of this art form. By engaging young apprentices through workshops and collaborative learning with master potters, the project not only revitalizes these traditions but also empowers future generations. With educational materials set for broader distribution, a lasting impact on local craftsmanship is anticipated, safeguarding this heritage for years to come.
Original Source: www.unesco.org
