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There are a wide variety of furniture and other art, which I can't show here. The prices of the objects show above are variable in price, but are in any case a bargain compared to what import shops in Europe and the USA would sell them. See however my Packing Tip for transporting these things home. The first image shown here is of a carved piece of slate showing a traditional Christian theme done the Quibor way. The second is a low-fire tooled red clay bowl. Many of the type of clay work exemplified by the red clay work are designed to be used in the kitchen, but my wife has chosen to only use them as oraments. The price and value of these is determined in part by the quality of materials, firing technique, and decorative artwork. Among the many things at Quibor is a large volume of hastily made ceramics with that are painted, not fired, and as such are sold to the domestic market of Venezuelan tourists looking for cheap souvenirs and gifts. We have tended to look for the best and stuff them in our luggage for the risky flight home because in general we find these objects of art a great value.
Written Jul 4, 2007
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In recent years, the discovery of pre-Colombian art by archeologist has inspired reproduction of such for tourists. These are very unusual and may not be easily found in Quibor, but must be found at special shops in Caracas or Valencia. The ones shown here were purchased in Valencia, but were produced in Quibor. Note again the mother and child themes, suggesting use as a fertility symbol. Then, there a numerous other small figures that appear to represent indigenous gods. Despite the apparent crude nature of the work here, close examination shows considerable artistic talent both in terms of executed design and use of multiple-colored clays.
Written Jul 4, 2007
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In the desert region around Quibor are a number of hardwoods that are of considerable value and weight. The wood workers carve these into a variety of religious and secular designs, often based upon the original shape of the wood. Note the two branch Joseph and Mary wood statue shown here.
Written Jul 4, 2007
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We also like the indigenous themes found in the sandstone sculptures. These are durable stones that will last a very long time outside. A common theme includes abstract Christian mother and child motifs.
Written Jul 4, 2007
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We like to spread Quibor vessels around the yard, and so have a number of interesting plant pot holders and lovely multi-color clay vessels with lids. We use one of the lidded vessels to store old tennis balls, a plaything for the dog. Note the complex colors in these simple and elegantly designed vessels. The smaller vessels shown here are candle holders, which we use during garden parties.
Written Jul 4, 2007
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The iron oxide method is newer, but it's durability over the mud slip method makes it ideal for vessels that are used for food. Food vessels will have a clear glaze interior. The best Quibor ceramics are high temperture fired products and are very durable. Some of these photos contrast the iron oxide and mud slip vessels. Note the translucent quality of the iron oxide method. Also notice the highly detailed and so high quality of the indigenous patterns on Quibor art. There are now imitations of such work in Costa Rica and other places in the Caribbean, but none approaches the quality found in the Quibor ceramic.
Written Jul 4, 2007
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The original technique used at Quibor is the mud slip vessels. The orange-beige colored vessel is created, often with tooled designs or handles, and then masked for application of darker brown, black, or other colored clays. The unique art here is the quality of the designs, showing the indigenous influence in this art.
Written Jul 4, 2007
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Luggage and bags: Bring your luggage, boxes, and even packing material because the Quibor vendors typically don't have much in stock for packing these fragile items. We have lost a few items, but generally, on the return trip home, we surround our ceramics with lots of clothing, and we do use luggage, not backpacks. The stone and wood items are simply wrapped in cardboard and tossed on the luggage conveyor, but in recent years the airlines have been much more stingy about how much one can bring back. In general though American Airlines flying from Venezuela is as generous as one will find.
Written Jul 4, 2007
Creative Ceramics with Indigenous Designs
The Quibor designs are quite distinctive and easy to identify. When we lived in Saudi Arabia, we found a shop with Quibor ceramics. We have found a few shops in the USA with Quibor, and once we sold a...
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