Filigree Jicaras

This word comes from prehispanic times. It comes from the Nahutl Xicalli which means “gourd.” The Jicara is a bowl or recipient made of the calabash gourd or of its skin.

Jicaras can be used to create may objects of daily use: spoons, seed containers, canteens, adornments, a tiste –drink made of toasted corn, cocoa, achiote, and sugar– glass, sweets bowls, atole cups, jugs, hair clips, jewelry boxes, souvenirs for fifteen-year parties, and others.

These handcrafts show fine details made by man-made blades, its original jicaro color and the uniqueness of the design.

Made by skillful hands of Nicaraguan craftspeople

Historical background

At the onset of the 19^th century Miss Nieves Cajina stars to work on filigree on jicaras. This tradition is passed on from generation to generation until it reached the Lopez family in Buenos Aires, Rivas, Nicaragua.

Miss Zaida Lopes gets interested and learns this art. Today she is one of the most known artist in the region. Filigree is a beautiful art on the verge of dissapearance due to its dificulty.

Manufacture

The gourds are cooked for 15 to 20 minutes with ashes to peel off the green skin. They are opened and their insides extracted. They are washed and left in lemon water for 24 hours, then they are dried. The filigree is engraved on them and then they are whitened with water and clorine for a final color.

See information about handcrafts with sea shells