What kinds of ornaments are included in this collection?

Our Holiday Ornament collection includes a variety of handmade designs created by artisan families across Peru. Depending on the piece, ornaments may feature hand-knitted alpaca yarn, needle-felted alpaca fiber, or hand-carved, flame-etched gourds from Cochas, Huancayo. Product pages identify the materials and methods used for each ornament.

Are all of your ornaments made from alpaca?

No. This collection brings together several different Peruvian craft traditions. Some ornaments are made from alpaca yarn or alpaca fiber, while others are hand-carved gourds. Product pages identify the specific material used for each design.

Are all ornaments made using the same technique?

No. This collection brings together several traditional Peruvian craft traditions. Depending on the design, ornaments may be hand-knitted from alpaca yarn, needle-felted from alpaca fiber, or hand-carved and flame-etched from gourds. Product pages identify the specific technique used for each ornament.

Who makes Inspired Peru's holiday ornaments?

Each ornament is handmade by an individual artisan from one of our partner artisan families in Peru, and ships with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by that artisan.

Do your ornaments come with a Certificate of Authenticity?

Yes. Every ornament ships with an individual Certificate of Authenticity signed by the specific artisan who made that piece.

Can these ornaments be displayed year-round?

While many customers use them as Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations, others display them throughout the year as examples of traditional Peruvian craftsmanship. Display recommendations vary by ornament style and personal preference.

Can I mix ornament styles in one order?

Yes. Many customers combine ornaments featuring different Peruvian craft traditions to create a varied holiday display or gift assortment.

Where do your ornaments ship from?

All Inspired Peru orders ship from the United States. We offer free shipping throughout the continental United States.

Hand-Carved Gourd Owl Ornament with Knitted Hat

Name: Andean Owl Ornament with Knitted Chullo Hat — 3.5"
Brand: Inspired Peru
Price: 38.99 USD
Availability: InStock

A set of three handcrafted owl-shaped gourd ornaments with colorful hand-knitted hats resembling traditional Andean hats.

Andean Owl Ornament with Knitted Chullo Hat — 3.5"

Inspired Peru

$ 38.99

Why does this owl make a meaningful Christmas ornament? This hand-carved gourd owl, topped with a tiny hand-knitted Andean hat, has been one of our most-loved pieces for years — a genuine original, not a mass-produced design.

The Story Behind This Design

This design began with our founder's father, master artisan Enrique Arias. Seeing a traditional hand-carved gourd owl, he thought to make it more distinctive by adding a tiny knitted hat — known in the Andes as a chullo, or chuyo. Enrique personally hand-knitted the very first chullo used as the master template for this design. Today, his primary focus is our alpaca stuffed animal collection, though he still occasionally hand-knits a chullo himself as a hobby.

Each owl brings together two distinct Andean craft traditions from two different regions: the gourd body is hand-carved and flame-etched in Cochas, Huancayo, a village renowned for this specific art form, while the knitted chullo hat is separately hand-knitted in a different part of the Andes of Peru. The hat's color can vary from piece to piece.

Prefer the classic carved owl on its own, without the hat? See our Natural Owl Ornament.

Materials, Construction & Specifications

Body: Hand-carved and flame-etched gourd from Cochas, Huancayo
Hat: Hand-knitted alpaca yarn chullo, color varies
Age rating: Recommended for ages 3 and above
Size: Approximately 3.5" tall, 2.5" circumference
Origin: Handmade in Peru, combining two regional craft traditions

Care & Ownership

Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight and moisture. Dust gently with a dry, soft cloth as needed.

Ships from the United States, with free shipping to the continental US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable as a Christmas tree ornament?
Yes. At approximately 3.5 inches tall, it's a natural fit for a Christmas tree, a gift-topper accent, or a small display.

Who designed this piece?
The design originated with master artisan Enrique Arias, who added a hand-knitted chullo hat to a traditional carved gourd owl. He personally hand-knitted the first chullo used as the template for this design.

Is this made from alpaca fur?
No. The owl's body is hand-carved gourd, and the hat is hand-knitted from alpaca yarn — neither uses alpaca fur.

Does the hat color vary?
Yes. Each chullo hat is hand-knitted individually, so colors vary piece to piece.

Where does this ship from?
Ships from the United States, with free shipping to the continental US.