Very old Peruvian carved Gourd - very detailed carved in Ayacucho technique

This very detailed gourd was purchased in Peru in the 1960s by a lady from the Netherlands and brought to Europe. That means this old Peruvian folk art is at least 60 years old. But given the fine carving, which is very different from today's tourist pieces, this Gourd is probably between 60 and 100 years old. Gourd carving in Peru is part of the culture. Sometimes whole sagas are immortalized in figurative language on a single gourd. Behind these works of art is an ancient tradition and skill. In terms of technique, a distinction is made between the Huanca and Ayacucho techniques. In the first case, a pattern is first carved into the gourd and then the areas are burned in with the help of a glowing wooden stick. In this process, the embers are prevented from going out by permanent blowing, and the pressure decides the colors. These can vary from black, brown to cinnamon. This technique requires a lot of skill and ability. Once you have made a mistake, you cannot undo it. The second technique works by coloring the engraved lines. After the gourd is carved with the designs, it is rubbed with fat (coked ichu gas). The gourd is then rinsed with cold water and the previously pale lines come to life.