Description
A tradition in the Peruvian city of Quinua, Ayacucho, was to put El Torito, the 'little bull,' on the roof to protect the family's cattle. Artisan of Peru's handcrafts her interpretation of the little Quinua bull. This little bull is brown and white with gold-painted horns, nose, tail, flowers on its flanks, and a fancy necktie. Swirls of white, pink, blue, green, and yellow also adorn the little bull. The artisan creates her own interpretations of the traditional Alasitas miniatures originating from the indigenous Aymara people that would offer up their miniatures to the deities along with prayers for good luck and a specific wish. Alasitas are still given as gifts today. In some cultures, it is believed that if one receives a miniature as a gift (typically food or household items or items representing achievements), they will receive the real thing within the year. Alasitas is an Aymara word that means “buy me”. Bloomsbury Market
