🦙 From The Andes has been curating rare finds since 1987, family-run in Taos, New Mexico.
Specifications
Collection: Peruvian Folk Art
Character: Noah’s Ark Retablo
Artist: Unattributed (Ayacucho studio)
Origin: Ayacucho, Peru
Material: Hand-sculpted and hand-painted ceramic
Design: Three-dimensional ark with multi-animal tableau and Noah figure
Palette: Terracotta base with ochre, chestnut, ivory, sage, and umber detailing
Vision: Andean retablo storytelling applied to the Noah’s Ark narrative
Interior: Hollow ceramic body with painted port windows and roof detailing
Hanger: Freestanding table or shelf piece
Dimensions: 12 in (30 cm) tall × 9 in (23 cm) wide × approx. 7.3 in (19 cm) diameter at widest point (23 in circumference)
Estimated date: Contemporary
Condition: Excellent, minor variations consistent with handmade work
Catalogue Note
This hand-built ark reflects Ayacucho’s retablo tradition translated into a free-standing ceramic sculpture. Each animal and detail is individually modeled and painted, creating a dense narrative scene that reads clearly from every angle. The scale gives it presence in a living room or mantle display while staying true to highland workshop techniques.
Key Highlights
Handmade in Ayacucho using kiln-fired ceramic
Dozens of sculpted details and figures, no two pieces alike
Substantial size suitable for focal display
Blends Christian narrative with Andean folk aesthetics
Ships from Taos, New Mexico
Display and Care
Display indoors on a stable surface away from direct sun and moisture
Dust with a soft dry cloth or soft brush
Avoid water, solvents, and cleaning sprays
Handle with both hands; ceramic joints can crack if stressed
Attribution and Condition Notes
Attributed to Ayacucho artisans working in the lineage of mid-20th-century retablo workshops. Unsigned, as is common for cooperative studio production. No chips or repairs observed; base shows light wear from firing and shelf contact.
FAQ
Is this a retablo? Yes. It departs from the traditional box form and presents the narrative as an open sculptural ark.
How old is it? Contemporary artisan work created in the 2000s or later.
What makes it stand out? The size, the hand-modeled figures, and the Andean interpretation of a classic story.
