These unique Christmas tree ornaments and rattles are made from calabash tree pods (gourds) by native artisans from the Ampiyacu River region of the Peruvian Amazon.  These rattles feature an image of the spiney porcupine.  It is a small mammal that climbs through trees in the forests of the Amazon.  

Amazon forest people commonly hunt the paca and its smaller relative agouti for their meat - both to feed their family and sell in local markets.  Some attempts have been made to raise pacas in captivity to satisfy a demand for this popular game meat.

This rattle has a chambira palm fiber chord allows it to be hung from a Christmas tree.  The beads inside also make it a great rattle that fits in the palm of your hand. 

Please remember that the artisan carves these rattles one at a time so the exact design of the animal and shape of the calabash pod may vary from the photo shown of this model.

Model: ORWM032