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Applique wall hanging, 'Christmas Star'

A star-speckled sky illumes a village high up in the Peruvian Andes as neighbors prepare the Christmas celebrations. A tree adorned with vibrant colors welcomes presents laid under its pines and the church in the background awaits the faithful for the solemn celebration. Marcela Paredes appliqué composition bears endearing details glistening gently falling snow. Shaped like a star, this wondrous sample of Peru’s renowned arpilleria witnesses the customary celebrations of a universal feast.

Having learned the art of arpilleria from local organizations run by women. Paredes embraced this art form with passionate dedication. Individual figurines rendered in an assortment of materials, such as cotton, velour and wool, are sewn with attentive care. Arpilleria depictions are colorful testimonies of rural life in Peru.