Tablas de Sarhua

“Painted boards from Sarhua”

These Andean folk paintings tell the story of the people

of Sarhua, a remote Andean community of Ayacucho,
Peru. Scenes of daily life events as well as celebrations
give us a glimpse of a world of magical simplicity,
traditions and mystic beliefs.

Traditionally, long painted mahogany boards where

given by "El Compadre", Godfather of the children, to
a family who was building a new home. Measuring
from 6 to 8 inches wide to up to 10 feet long, they had
several scenes depicting the story of the family. These
boards were attached along a ceiling beam on the
second floor for good luck and protection.

The first picture, starting at the bottom of the board will

usually represent the family Saint. The next one would
show the man of the house in his occupation. Then the
wife doing her work. The following scenes would show the
children and extended family living in the house. The last
two or three scenes would show in a similar fashion the
compadre's family who are giving the board.

Because of political upheaval, most of the community from

Sarhua moved to Lima in the late 1970s and 1980's for
their safety. They had to leave behind their fields, animals
and simple way of life behind. Fortunately today, many
have been able to return to their town in the Andes where
the elders are teaching the younger generation their paint-
ing traditions. Few artists stayed in the capital, organized as
a cooperative, and have been keeping their traditions alive
by telling us their stories through their beautiful naively
painted boards.

TM

e sign. Craftsmanship. Smiles.

D Empowering Peruvian artists and creating
cheer through design and fair trade.