Unusual dated 2005 Bolivian fish-form matraca associated with San Francisco de Asís and San Pedro de Tiquina, in Bolivia's Lake Titicaca region.

The decorative banner identifies “SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS – DE SAN PEDRO DE TIQUINA – PASANTES” and the piece is dated 2005, giving this matraca considerably more identifying information than an unmarked folk-art example.

Fish-form matracas are a documented Bolivian folk-art tradition. Museum collections contain fish-shaped matracas made in La Paz, and an Inter-American Development Bank catalog documents a 1970 fish matraca from a Lake Titicaca community.

The fish design is especially appropriate to Tiquina. San Pedro de Tiquina lies on Lake Titicaca, where fishing has traditionally been an important local economic activity.

The piece is handcrafted and elaborately decorated in the distinctive figural style found among Bolivian festival matracas. It would make an excellent collectible for someone interested in Bolivian folk art, Andean culture, Lake Titicaca, traditional matracas, religious festival artifacts or unusual folk instruments.

Pre-owned with age- and use-related wear. Please examine all photographs carefully because they are an important part of the description.

I have additional Bolivian/Andean folk-art matracas and festival noisemakers available in several unusual designs. Please see my other listings for additional pieces.