Arts and Crafts of South America

Hispanic Times Magazine, Dec, 1997 by Robert Kendall

Chronicle Books has become the leading publisher presenting colorful books depicting cultural traditions. South American crafts are very much in vogue today. Whether it is the woven baskets from Colombia's Caribbean Coast, or hand-painted ceramic beads from Peru, or those woriderful alpaca wool sweaters from the Andes, people are buying and enjoying arts and crafts from South America. This well researched book presents the full range of this vast area's indigenous handicrafts, including textiles, costume jewelry and metalwork, as well as basketry, hats, bags and pottery. It is an invaluable book for collectors, travelers and aficionados of native arts and crafts.

Ms. Davies and Mr. Fini bring a strong historical perspective and cultural insight to their exacting descriptions of present day craft techniques. Mo Fini has spent over 10 years traveling in South America, researching the continent's arts and crafts while working closely with artisans in every region. Lucy Davies is TUMI's educational and cultural officer, editing the TUMI Journal. Both authors reside in England but spend much of the year in South America.