Peruvian Arpillera Wall Hanging — Zoo Scene, 3D Appliqué Folk Art

A vibrant arpillera depicting a bustling zoo scene — a traditional Peruvian textile folk art form worked entirely in hand-cut appliqué on a cotton ground. The composition spans multiple enclosures packed with recognizable animals: giraffes, zebras, flamingos, llamas, deer, elephants, and a spotted jaguar behind a red-canopied cage lettered "Tigre" in the hand of the maker. Throughout the scene, balloon vendors and visitors in colorful dress move along gravel paths, their figures built up in stuffed, three-dimensional relief — a hallmark of quality arpillera construction. Embroidered detail appears throughout, including a golden-ray sun and decorative tree foliage rendered in several fabric textures.

Purchased in 2010 from Pachamama Gallery, 223 Canyon Road, Santa Fe — one of the most respected Latin American folk art dealers in the country, in operation since 1974 and known for sourcing directly from Andean artisans. The original retail receipt accompanies the piece. A woven label on the reverse reads "Hand Made in Peru / 100% Cotton."

CONDITION Good. Colors remain vivid and the cotton ground is intact with no tears, holes, or staining visible. Minor soft creasing consistent with storage is present along the upper edge; all three-dimensional figures are fully intact with no loose or detached elements observed.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 17¼" × 19" × ¾"
• Materials: Cotton, felt, fabric, thread
• Construction: Hand-appliquéd and embroidered; three-dimensional stuffed figures
• Maker's Mark: Unmarked; woven label reads "Hand Made in Peru / 100% Cotton"
• Provenance: Purchased at Pachamama Gallery, 223 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM, 2010; original retail receipt included