Allpa (ceramics)
On the northern coast of Peru near the Ecuadorian border, the town of Chulucanas has become the centre of a traditional pottery revival. 1500 years ago, the Pre-Columbian inhabitants developed a unique process for creating beautiful ceramics. More recently, local artisans rediscovered the techniques of their ancestors and have made them their own.
Allpa works closely with Chulucanas potters to create modern collections using these ancient skills. The result are beautiful hand-made pieces that combine the best of old and new. Each piece is individually thrown or formed, slip-decorated, then hand-burnished with a special stone to create a subtle luster. A second firing, done with mango leaves, creates the deep dark finish that these pots are known for.
