The art of pottery is one of the most widespread activities in the country. It occupies a second place within handicraft production, after textiles. The oldest ceramic known in Peru is the wayra jirka style of the Kotosh culture (1840 B.C.). The inherited techniques for the elaboration and decoration of ceramics are numerous, however, today the most popular ones are hand modeling, paleteado or beaten, colombin technique (changing the clay rolls into spiral forms or shapes) and the moldeado or molding. It should be highlighted, that the lathe was never used, instead, the plato torno or a spinning implement mounted on a flat stone took its place.
Peruvian ceramic is exceptional for its composition and motifs. Evidence of that quality is shown in the Kotosh, Chavin, Paracas, and Nasca cultures exhibited in different museums around the world. A large part of those objects have a ceremonial character. Presently, the most important pottery in the country, due to their cultural and esthetic value, are the Chulucanas (Piura), Quinua (Ayacucho), Pucara (Puno), Cusco, and Shipiba (Ucayali). The commercial circuit is very extensive in the country, particularly in the markets and village fairs.
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