The pottery pieces were created without molds, using the pinch pot method. Bones of the alpaca were used to smooth out the exterior surface. Pigments created from manganese, iron oxides, hematite, and magnatite were painted on the raw clay using brushes made from children’s hair. To add a glossy look to the exterior, the potter rubbed smooth stones in sweat and burnished the piece before firing. The pieces were placed in a fire pit and brought to a temperature of 1400F degrees.

Pottery is still crafted using traditional methods by some Nasca descendants, and it is often available at Growing Hobby.

The true mysteries of the Nasca culture were discovered in the 1940s with the arrival of airplanes over the Peruvian desert. Geoglyphs commonly known as Nasca Lines had been etched into the surface of the desert 2000 years ago. The lines primarily depict nature: hummingbirds, condors, plants, lizards, monkeys, and whales. More than 300 geoglyphs have been discovered, and with the advent of LIDAR, more are being found on a consistent basis. The Nasca Lines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can watch a short video about the lines and the pottery connection.

Each dream catcher created by Alberto Huamani Velasquez carries symbolism in the materials collected from the rainforests of Peru and Brazil.

The hoop, representing the circle of life, is made from pliable tree branches and vines found in the Amazon,  

The web inside the hoop contains beads made from the tagua nut that signify captured unpleasant dreams. A select bead or bone represents the spider. The web itself is often woven in bright colors to represent the light that always follows a bad dream.

Beads that have made their way to the dangling feathers hanging from the hoop signify good dreams being directed to the sleeper. Alberto collected the feathers from the Amazon floor.

Semiprecious stones and crystals are wrapped with string and llama wool using traditional methods. Clear quartz, amethyst, and serpentine protect and provide positive energy. 

Llama wool is dyed with traditional Inca pigments: Red is pulled from cochineal insects found on prickly pear cactus. Copper is added to create purple, and citric acid brings out orange hues. Olive green is created from pomegranate with aluminum and iron.

All the components combine to create incredible works of art and protection.