Little clay birds 
News

Little clay birds

Peru is possibly the best place in the world to be a souvenir shopper

Nayantara Patel

Wherever the tourist goes in Peru, she&rsquoll find an &lsquoIndian Market&rsquo, packed with colourful fake textiles, jokey T-shirts (&lsquoThe Condor and the Cuys&rsquo a motorcycling &lsquoLlamaha&rsquo and so on), mass-produced pottery, little clay birds that make whistling noises and the ubiquitous woollens (&ldquomaybe alpaca&rdquo is the standard warning issued about all the sweaters purporting to be baby alpaca). The people of the Andes have fabulous crafts traditions &mdash intricate and striking weaves, indigenous ceramics, truly fine traditional woollen clothing&mdashbut you&rsquore not going to find any of these in the Indian markets. I resisted the lures of the markets, only to fall prey to these owls at Lima duty-free. I had fifty nuevos soles in my pocket and there were these owls &mdash made of gourd, carved, dyed and painted &mdash staring, well, owlishly at me. PEN 46 for mother and child.

Dalai Lama Turns 90: Here Is A Guide To Dharamshala, His Seat Of Power

6 Places In India To See Wildlife During The Monsoon Season

Your 3-Day Itinerary Through The Best Hampi Places To Visit

Jawai: The Untamed Leopard Country In Rajasthan That Stole My Heart

Explained: What Are Miyawaki Forests And Why Delhi's Plan Near Najafgarh Faces Criticism

SCROLL FOR NEXT