Petroperú carried out a free ceramics workshop for residents of Iquitos

With the purpose of providing greater dynamism to the economic activity of the Arenal Center, very close to the city of Iquitos, Petroperú developed its Basic Ceramics Course, taking into account that said area is characterized by its fine sand and clay sediments, raw material that -due to its modeling characteristics- allows the creation of a diversity of artistic pieces.

The participants were provided with the necessary inputs to develop this basic course, allowing them to know the processes and work techniques for the elaboration and decoration of handicrafts. They also had a table, with a cement slab surface, to knead the clay and ceramic pastes; as well as shelves to store the molds and their finished products.

The workshop, totally free, sought the recognition and identification of the clay, which makes up the natural environment of said community, belonging to the Huitoto Murui ethnolinguistic family. Petroperú, through this proposal, thus sought to create utilitarian pieces that bring the inhabitants of these areas closer to the natural and social environment that surrounds them, evoking connections with the landscape, the elements and the people who inhabit it.

More than twenty people of different ages participated in this event who, under the guidance of the experienced workshop leader Marden Curichimba, received recommendations, suggestions and valuable knowledge about the processes and work techniques for the elaboration and decoration of handicrafts.

At the end of the workshop, the participants offered a variety of unique products that -in one way or another- reflect the flora and fauna of the place, turning a piece of clay into representative pieces that, thanks to skill and expertise, obtain added value. .

It should be noted that the clay is characterized by its high plasticity, when mixed with water; as well as its hardness when heated above 800 degrees Celsius.