Lara Marquetry Tray - Medium

The woodworkers of Guadalupe, located in the heart of Lara, Venezuela, are known for their craftsmanship and unparalleled skill. The lush hills of Lara, where a wide variety of trees grow in abundance, provide locals the raw materials for their craft. The quaint Plaza Bolivar, in the centre of town, is surrounded by small shops where local artisans sell their wares. The woodworkers of Guadalupe employ traditional techniques such as wood carvings and wood inlay, carefully selecting locally sourced wood in different colours like light oak, dark ebony, red carob, and streaked Verawood. Beyond their aesthetic value, these woodcarvings have a rich cultural significance in the region. The tradition of wood carving dates back to colonial times, where local wood was used to craft religious figures for churches and cathedrals around the country. Over time, the techniques were expanded to craft utensils, boxes, trays, and famously decorative wooden fruits.

Today, the woodworkers of Guadalupe continue to carry on this important tradition, preserving their cultural heritage through their craft. The region's woodworkers are truly a treasure of Venezuela, demonstrating their mastery of the craft with each handmade piece.