Novica Handmade Tropical Flavors Terracotta Mini Ornaments

Give your holidays a taste of the tropics with this colorful mini ornament set by Jose Arriola. He shapes a collection of 30 tiny pieces featuring bananas, avocados, pineapples, papayas, mangoes, and other tropical delights from terracotta. Then he hand-paints each one in gorgeous bright colors. This set comes in a 100% cotton bag for easy transport and storage. Try them out as a fun centerpiece on a miniature holiday tree. The Guatemalan artisan learned the art of ceramics from his mother. His work is inspired by old Mayan traditions and the bright colors of his homeland. Product Features: Dimension: 1.4" L x 0.5"" W Weight: 0.17 Color: Multicolor Material: Terracotta, cotton bag Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly Made in Guatemala Story Behind the art: My full name is Jose Antonio Arriola Rodenas and I come from a happy family that has lived in Antigua for more than 100 years! My grandparents lived with us, as well as two uncles from my mother's side with their families. My dad was a master carver and he was known for his relief work. His work has been awarded by the government and it graces Guatemala's National Palace as well as the U.S. Embassy. On my mother's side, five generations have been dedicated to the beautiful craft of ceramic arts. That meant that at home we had two workshops - my father's where he worked with one assistant, and my mother's where they specialized in ceramics. Dad's workshop was too serious and somber for me, whereas everyone seemed to be having fun at my mom's. That's how I first got into ceramics, to have fun! I spent my school holidays there and learnt the craft. My siblings and I would receive some pocket money for us to buy whatever we pleased, and I used to spend it on fireworks and sweets. We went through bad times when we worked hard and barely earned anything. During the Civil War (1977 - 1984) tourism was low and we could hardly sell a thing. However, we managed to pull through as a family. Don't ask me how, but we never lacked food on our table - we could be lacking in many things during the Civil War, but we never lacked food. I studied up to the second year in university but dropped out in 1979 when I got married, as I had to get a job to provide for my family. My first job, as an adult, was at my mother's workshop, where I learned all that I could and earned enough wages for my new family. There was a boom in tourism in 1986 and, thanks to the foreigners interested in my work, I earned enough to pay up all of my debts (there were quite a few!) and I even managed to build my own home, where I also built my own workshop. I am inspired by my country: the tranquil life of my city, our extensive culture, the colors, the designs on our traditional costumes, the flora and fauna. I consider it a privilege to have been born in Guatemala. God touched my life many years ago and helped me overcome my problem with drinking through the help of the Catholic Church. Nowadays I try to help people that may need it and I volunteer at a maximum security prison, teaching the word of God. 'It is difficult to make Light present in the darkness.' The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen. Imported"