Juan

Juan is a quiet man whose primary business is selling fresh fruit and vegetables in Santiago de Chile. His quiet passion, however, is for the jewellery of his people, the Mapuche Indians. Juan spent his youth working as an apprentice with old master Mapuche silversmiths in different parts of Chile, learning the stories of their designs and the symbolism of their protective amulets.

Here he also discovered the significance of their secret resistance messages to the colonial powers, which were often hidden beneath the surface. Juan sadly found that he could not support his family and make a living doing the Silver work alone, but feels strongly that his connection to his people and history can still be channeled through his art.

He is extremely proud of this and has taught his son the craft too, in hope that he will one day be able to make a living with his skills.