This original 1959 Peruvian travel poster was created to promote the country’s traditional arts and cultural heritage. Issued by Peru’s General Directorate of Tourism and Ministry of Industry and Commerce, it features a mate burilado, or engraved gourd, from Ayacucho.
The composition presents the decorated gourd against a dark textured background, allowing its remarkably intricate surface to command attention. Numerous figures, animals, buildings and rural scenes are carefully arranged across the rounded form, transforming the object into a detailed visual narrative.
Warm shades of ochre and brown reveal the fine engraved lines, while the deep green background provides a rich contrast. The bold white word “Peru” introduces a modern graphic element and gives the poster a clear, immediately recognisable identity.
Engraved gourds form an important part of Peru’s Andean craft tradition. Decorated using a sharp engraving tool, they frequently portray agricultural life, festivals, animals and local customs through dense and highly expressive compositions.
A distinctive example of South American cultural tourism advertising, this original poster would make an excellent addition to a collection devoted to Peru, Ayacucho, folk art, traditional crafts or vintage travel.
Original poster
Tourism - Photography - Peru
Good condition, small tears
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