Prosperity Hens from India

In India, hens are a traditional symbol of prosperity and good luck for centuries. They are often given as gifts at celebrations to encourage success and good fortune. Hence, strands of handmade fabric hens, aptly named "Prosperity Hens", are believed to bring prosperity, abundance and good luck when hung in a doorway or window.

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The strands of are made of colorful stylized hens that are sewn from cotton scrap fabric and stuffed. The hens are then strung with beads, sequins and usually one bell at the end. 

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The number of hens on a strand can vary. 

The may consist of one to over forty but the most often range from ten to thirty.

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© All Photos are the Property of Native and Can Not Be Used Without Permission

Peruvian Retablos

Retablos are a sophisticated Peruvian folk art. The term "Retablo" is derived from the Latin retro tabula, which means behind the (altar) table, referred to as "Santero Boxes" in Europe, where they originated. The art form was brought to Peru by Spanish in the 16th century. They were used by Spanish evangelists and priests to teach bible stories and convert the indigenous people to catholicism.

The portable altars depict scenes from the Catholic faith including the nativity, Adam and Eve and more. Peruvian retablos continue the religious and devotional scenes but also have evolved to include scenes that are important to the indigenous people of the highlands of Peru. These scenes from daily life, markets, shops, harvests, weddings, social, political and traditional events. They are made using simple tools, potato starch mix plater and wooden doors and are filled with brightly colored figures arranged into intricate narrative scenes. The boxes, made of wood, commonly have doors, a peak are painted with flowers, leaves and decorative designs.

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Skeleton Love "Amor " Couple Retablo, Skeleton Mermaid Couple Retablo, 
I Love You "Te Quiero" Mini Retablo

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Close Up and Closed Llama Shearing Retablo, 

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A wall and room at El Retablo B&B, these two photos courtesy of El Retablo

The is a B&B in Cuzco called “El Retablo” embraces and honors the artistry of the retablo. As well as their amazing retablos that fill the walls and B&B, all interior spaces are hand-painted in the style of retablo painting. The rooms, interior and exterior walls are all painted by artisans from the Fine Arts School of Cuzco.

The craft and tradition of retablo making are passed down from one family member to another. They are primary made in the in Ayacucho, Peru. 

Ayacucho is also home to the prominent family, Jimenez, that is all known

for their exceptional reatblos. Figures are now being made that have leaped from the confinement of the box and stand or hang alone.

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Hanging Drum Player for Day of the Dead

© All Photos are the Property of Native (with the exception of El Retablo BnB) and Can Not Be Used Without Permission

Native T with The Unity Campaign

Purchase of Native T-shirts will help keep 

two small businesses in business! 

Thanks to the The UNITY Campaign by 

Acme Print Company for including Native.

https://shops.acmeprintco.com/collect…/unity/products/native

They are 19. (plus shipping) 

These will be mailed directly to your address.