Two Hand-Carved Wooden Armadillo Figurines Siwok Indians and Crafts, Argentia.

Growing up around carpenters, I always had a deeper appreciation for any hand-carved object It takes dexterity skill and patience. This mama and baby Armadillos (heco a mano) as all the other artwork of the Siwok Indians, is made with local hardswood and uses no nails. SIWOK is the Wichi Indian name for the red-crested woodpecker, found in the Chaco forest in Northern Argentina and prominent in the native mythology. It is the symbol of their fine craftsmanship. For centuries the Wichi Indians have lived in the scrub forest of Northern Argentina as hunter/gatherers. Now this way of life is threatened by the relentless advance of civilisation. The forest is being chopped down and many Indians thrown off their land. They have difficulty pursuing traditional methods of finding food. There are few jobs. Craft production is a means of raising some income and it develops their skills. It also enables working from home. All items are hand-crafted in local hard woods, beautifully finished and polished. Check out their website at siwok.org.uk They have many categories of items/gifts to sell. Order directly from their website. Animals Birds Boxes Christmas Crosses Homeward Personal Water Creatures Miscellaneous Sales of Siwok Crafts help the Wichi people survive in their native land and earn a living wage in their harsh environment. This helps them maintain self respect, retain their culture and restores their dignity. I will donate 60% of my earnings/your gifts to the Siwok.