The famous Toritos de Pucará, traditional ceramic figurines in the Andean region of Peru, are visiting Redwood City as part of a traveling exhibition that will be in various cities across the US.
The colorful clay figurines are a sample of the mysticism and art of the Pucará culture, which has transcended eras, remaining alive in Peruvian culture.
The inauguration of this exhibition took place last Friday and was attended by, among others, the mayor of the city, Jeff Gee, as well as councilors and community leaders, in addition to the consul general of Peru in San Francisco, Juan Manuel Miranda.
At the event, held at 1900 Broadway in Redwood City, the diplomat pointed out that the Toritos de Pucará are ambassadors of the Peruvian Andes, an expression of the ancestral art of the southern Andean region that until now survives on the roofs of the houses.
"What it means is a sample of the mestizaje that we have had since the arrival of the Spanish to our lands, and that the Andean settlers have introduced, in some way also rescuing their pre-Hispanic images to assimilate them into current culture," said Consul Miranda.
Photos: P360
He highlighted that the Pucará Bull is a very special symbol, as it protects the home and the people who live in it, bringing them well-being and fertility for their lands.
He explained that the bull came to Peru by the Spanish, which was impressive when it arrived later and was controlled by the Andean settler, assimilating it to their agricultural world, but at the same time to their spirit and cosmogonic vision of the Andean duality (the land and the darling).
That is why, he said, there are two little bulls on the roofs of the houses.
"There are two little bulls that protect homes, protect the family, but at the same time they bring well-being and bring the best that there can be and also protect them from the evils that exist," he highlighted.
The exhibition of the Bulls of Pucará, made by Andean artisans, has gone around the world, and some samples are in Europe, Asia and other parts of America.
The current exhibition in Redwood City will only be available until this Saturday, September 16 at 1900 Broadway.
The available times are: Thursday, September 14, from 12:00 to 18:00; Friday, September 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, September 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
After its stay in Redwood City, the exhibition will go to Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York, among other cities.
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