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Alejandro Chavez

Alejandro Chavez

Alejandro Chavez

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Alejandro Chavez

Traditional Andean retablos in The Andes

"Over the years, I perfected my abilities and became a master retablo craftsman. In some, I depict Biblical scenes and, in others, everyday life in the Andes."

Alejandro Chavez was born in Lima in 1956. He specializes in creating retablos, a kind of reverent diorama-altar typical of the Ayacucho region of Peru. He learned this technique as a boy in school, when living in Ayacucho, where his parents moved when he was just two years old.

For Alejandro and his family, the 1980s were painful. All of Peru was bleeding as a result of the armed conflict between the Sendero Luminoso terrorist group, who threatened and conscripted rural farmers, and the Peruvian army, who arrested or killed anyone they found suspicious. The Chavez family fled to Lima where they found peace once more through their retablo art. However, they lost several of their friends.

"Some died, others were jailed, even when they didn't know how to read or write," he says. "Because of the war, they had to drop out of school and leave the artisan workshops they loved in nearby Huamanga. They acquired some knowledge of the retablo art but they withdrew because it was no longer safe to leave their homes.

"Life in Lima was quite different. The quiet small town life we were accustomed to no longer existed in the huge cement jungle of the capital. Our traditional Ayacucho fiestas such as the yunza tree and the Dance of the Scissors, have died out here.

"To fight boredom, I worked at different jobs. People like me who had recently arrived in Lima began working as stevedores in the city's fishing port. After that, I sold fruit in a market stall. Finally one day, a cousin convinced me to try my luck in a workshop where they crafted Ayacuchan retablos. When I visited the workshop, I couldn't believe it when I saw these beautiful art forms once again.

"So I returned to my roots. I began working in the studio of Angel Castro, a master artisan, who taught me. Here I refined my techniques. After the death of my teacher, I formed my own workshop continuing to give shape to this art form. The customs and traditions of the Andean people — especially those of Ayacucho — emerge in every piece we make.

"Over the years, I perfected my abilities and became recognized as a master retablo craftsman. In some, I depict Biblical scenes and, in others, everyday life in the Andes. I did this for eight years. It was exhausting to create my retablos and then try to sell them in artisan fairs. I had to carry several at a time and go door to door, offering them to shops and stores.

"I've been married since 1985 and my wife and I successfully faced some really tough times. We were unable to have children. We finally gave up on fertility treatments and decided to adopt. We found a seven-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy, and raised them with all our love as though they were our own. Now that they're older, the girl is here with us and the boy went to live with my mother in Ayacucho.

"I began working with you in 2007 when I learned your support could let make a living from my art and give me the hope of a better future. Thanks to what I earn from the sale of my retablos, I've been able to give my family a better lifestyle and, especially, to help my daughter Carol with her studies now that she's a young mother. Since then, things have gone well.

"Today, I can say that my pain from those difficult times in Ayacucho has healed. I've been sharing the culture and traditions of Peru through my retablos. And I plan to continue with this art as long as God permits it."

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45 items by Alejandro Chavez

Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

160

Karen

Verified Reviewer

01/24/2021

"A gorgeous gift!"

Sent this to my brother for Christmas. He and his family LOVE it. Many thanks

Purchased Item:

Blue Andean Christmas, Handcrafted Christian Theme Christmas Retablo Diorama

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Joe

Verified Reviewer

01/17/2021

"Memories of Ayacucho"

Gift for my son and his family. We had spent Holy Week in Ayacucho, known for its retablos, several years ago (a wonderful experience!). A much appreciated memory of the trip and Peru.

Purchased Item:

Scenes from the Andes, Folk Art Wood Mirror with Folk Art Scenes

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Jennifer

Verified Reviewer

12/03/2020

"So so nice"

I absolutely love this small work of art. It came quickly and is beautiful. I love the colors and the details. You can tell it was made by hand by an artist.

Purchased Item:

Blessed Are Those Who Come, Nativity scene

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Kathy

Verified Reviewer

11/27/2020

"Sitting on my at home alter"

Thank you my little retablo. I love all the little figures and the people praying. Each piece is painted with much care. I have a small collection of crosses from Central America and this now has a priced place among them. The box itself is precious and I am especially fond of the finish. I will treasure this retablo and I look forward to purchasing another.

Purchased Item:

Cross of Lamentation, Hand Made Religious Wood Retablo Diorama Andean Folk Art

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Lux

From Geneva, Switzerland

Verified Reviewer

11/15/2020

"My family loves the retablo !"

Such fine creative work. We love it ! Thank you.

Purchased Item:

Love Divine, Handcrafted Retablo Nativity Scene Wall Mirror from Peru

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Mary

From Green Valley AZ

Verified Reviewer

11/02/2020

"Playful and colorful"

Very interesting cultural piece. Love it!

Purchased Item:

Scenes from the Andes, Folk Art Wood Mirror with Folk Art Scenes

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