BELÉM (State of Pará)

Belém is located on the north end of the South American continent, on the eastern edge of the gigantic Amazon water system.  

When rubber production was king 100 years ago, and Brazil's largest export, Belém was wealthy.   Now the city decays in the sweltering heat of the equator as the poor residing in large slums attempt to eke out a living.  Here is where we have discovered skills and trades learned from the natives that pre-dated the Portuguese.  

POTTERY FROM BELÉM

We are amazed at what can be made using techniques developed before electricity.  The potter's wheel is foot powered and the kiln is fueled with wood.  The green/pre-fired creations are cured in the sun and must be protected from the daily tropical rains.  We think you will enjoy the unique artistry of each of the two families we are working with. 

Marivaldo and his wife, Clarice, decorate their pottery with designs that have their origin in an Amazonian Indian tribe that predates the Portuguese.  The work to duplicate the markings requires tremendous perseverance. The colors and shapes are their trade mark and have become very popular with visitors in our store.
Manoel and Rosalba’s creations are remarkably different than their neighbors, yet just as interesting.  Tribal markings give way to animals and simple patterns.  Rosalba and Manoel are completetly different also.  Rosalba rarely looks up from her work bringing life to a parrot with glaze.  She leaves the dealings to her husband Manoel.  And why not!  He is the consummate salesman and we always buy several more pieces that we thought we needed.  But that’s a good thing!

JEWELRY

About an hour's ride from center-city on the northern side where flooding is common, we enter another poor area called Bairro Marco.  Crime is also a problem.  On our first visit two policemen offered to walk with me through the district.  I thought they were just being friendly.  On a subsequent visit the taxi driver refused to enter the ‘hood’ for fear of losing his car.  But when we arrive at the home of either of the two families we are there to serve and forget the crime and the stark surroundings.  Both families have become good friends to us.  And their craftsmanship is terrific!  

Jessica and Cici, and Liela and Tic Tac, produce stunning jewelry from natural seeds that are the most popular items in our store.  We don’t ask for special designs, colors or try to inject changes.  We just let them create.  We think the coconut belts from Fortaleza will compliment the natural beauty of the jewelry from Belém and Manaus.