Conopas are sacred Inca sculptures intended to increase fertility, abundance and good fortune. Depicting a camelid, this ancient image is also related to protection against negative energies, inspiring many artists through time. Peruvian artisan William Meneses also draws inspiration from this mystic item to hand-carve a reproduction of the traditional conopa sculpture in a dark brown tone for an elegant accent.

Product Features: 

• Dimension: 4.7" H x 2.4" W x 5" D
• Weight: 0.35
• Color: Black
• Material: Cedar wood
• Made in Peru

Story Behind the art:
I thank God. I'm grateful for the life he's given me and the art that is my passion, one I live for every day.

I was born in 1978 in Lima's entrepreneurial district of Villa el Salvador. I am a sculptor.

I was always curious about art. I loved to look at images of paintings and sculptures — the talent of these creators inspired me a lot.

Here in Lima, I attended a government school where the sheer number of students forced them to offer two groups, the morning group and the afternoon group. I was lucky enough to get into the afternoon group, so I could work and go to school at the same time.

One morning as I was leaving the house, I ran into a neighbor and he offered me work. He said the job was in a wood carving workshop and all I'd have to do was sand and polish the carvings. I didn't need any experience. He offered me 30 Peruvian sols a week, and this was enough to cover my school supplies and also bring something home to my family.

I discovered that my interest in art was much greater than I realized. I loved watching the entire process, learning which tool was used for what. My dream was to be able to use these tools and learn to carve. But, since I was the sander, I wasn't allowed to work on sculptures.

As time went by, while I worked at sanding, I spent a lot of time very carefully observing how the carving and detail work was done.

One night, the workers had organized a fiesta to celebrate someone's birthday. While they were distracted by the music and drinks, I took advantage and selected a sculpture that was half-finished and decided to complete the carving. The sun came up before I finished, but it was a dream come true! I had finally put my observations in the workshop into practice.

Everyone was so impressed that they let me begin helping with the carving process. Little by little, I became a master craftsman, and this is how I became part of this wonderful world of wood sculpture.

Today, I have many dreams. For example, I'd like to get more tools for my workshop. But most of all, I'd like to have a house of my own, properly built with cement blocks and with nice finishes. At the moment, we live in a wooden house I built myself on a piece of land my mother gave me.

I thank God. I'm grateful for the life he's given me and the art that is my passion, one I live for every day. And so happy with my precious family, to whom I'm teaching this art little by little.

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