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Pottery is one of the most widespread activities in Peru. Ancient
pre-Hispanic techniques used by the Vicus, Recuay and Pashash
cultures such as "Colombine" and "Negatives",
obtained by cutting off the oxygen flow to the oven, are still
used today in Chulucanas (Piura) and in the northern jungle
by the Arabelas communities.
Another technique used in Simbilá (Piura), and in Mollepampa
(Cajamarca) is that of paleteo, whereby potters shape the
clay with their hands and then beat it with a paddle, or paleta.
The utilitarian and decorative pottery of Chulucanas -particularly
in the district of La Encantada, where there are some 250
artisans, is one of the finest in Peru. This is largely because
of the fine tones achieved by potters in the use of the color
black and the burnishing of their jars, as well as the sculpting
of typical characters (chicha vendors, musicians and dancers)
and animals that come to life in the hand-worked clay.
Pottery is widely traded in the markets of Cusco, Juliaca
(Puno), Arequipa and at a network of arts and crafts centers
and fairs held in Lima.
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