Lara

One of the states in Venezuela that offers a wide variety of high-quality artisanal crafts is Lara. It seems that the special land found there and the colors of its landscapes inspire the blessed hands of hundreds of women and men who lovingly dedicate themselves to working with noble materials, transforming them into unique pieces that.

We invite you to discover and appreciate the quality and charm of products from Lara, Venezuela, which reflect the vibrant soul of this beautiful country. 

You can appreciate the nuances of handwoven fabrics in the artisan workshops of the little town of Tintorero, as well as the intricately carved wooden fruits - with export quality - crafted by artisans from the village of Guadalupe.

Woodcarvers in Lara create beautiful decorative or utilitarian wood sculptures and carvings. 

The crafting of wooden pieces in Guadalupe , Lara- Venezuela, is an artisanal and specialized process that takes advantage of the rich sources of wood available in the region. 

Among the most commonly used woods are Ebony, Curari, Miguelito, Oak, and Vera. For their elaboration, a series of tools are required, such as the machete, gouge, drawknife, chisel, various forms of scraper, softwood turning, and spokeshaves. 

Artisans create a variety of objects used for everyday life, such as ladles, cutlery, bowls or carvings featuring flowers and fruits. 

No one knows why Guadalupe became the realm of wood artisans in Venezuela. Perhaps it was the strength of the Germans and the passion of the Spaniards that merged with the local inhabitants during the colonial era, sparking an interest in creating art from tough tree trunks.

There is a particular artisanal production in wood, which has stood out in recent years, called wood marquetry, with only a few workshops dedicated to this art. Wood Marquetry involves intricately layering thin sheets of wood to create striking designs, known as filigrees, using the natural colors of the wood. This results in a range of finely finished objects such as tobacco boxes, chests, and desk sets.

Artisans from the Quibor and Guadalupe areas in the municipality of Jiménez are witnesses and creators of this beautiful cultural practice. Marquetry in wood is not only an artistic expression but also a way to preserve cultural heritage and promote economic development through tourism and the commercialization of these exquisite handmade pieces. Its uniqueness and beauty make it a cultural treasure worthy of recognition and appreciation.

Given the importance of the conservation of forest resources, some initiatives are working towards sustainable forestry practices. This involves the responsible management of forests to ensure the renewal and preservation of timber resources.

On Tintorero, another region of Lara, textiles such as blankets and hammocks are made using manual looms and ancestral weaving techniques.

Tintorero is renowned for its craft sales, especially the weaving that originated from the indigenous people who used cotton to weave hammocks and hammock chairs. 

Many years ago, the hanging hammocks were woven with sheep's wool; today, that has changed, and artisans work with cotton thread or twine. 

Tintorero owes its name to the word “tinta”, meaning dye in Spanish. The variety of dye colors used by the artisans to color the threads and fabrics that they create, make this name an excellent fit. 

There used to be 600 looms in Tintorero; currently, only 30 remain. Almost all the residents of there, have their house-workshops where they craft & sell their creations.

All these handicrafts from Lara, reflect the rich cultural tradition of the region as well as the creativity and skills of its artisans, offering visitors the opportunity to take home a piece of Venezuela's rich artisanal heritage.

Be amazed by the diversity and authenticity of our collection brought directly from Lara.