Peruvian culture showcased in Hanoi bull statue exhibition

The exhibition "Torito de Pucará: Ambassador of the Peruvian Highlands" has been opened in Hanoi, featuring 18 handmade ceramic Pucará bull statues, one of the most specific symbols of traditional Peruvian pottery.

Initiated by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exhibition is an activity to celebrate 29 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Peru.

The exhibition is a display of the unique art and culture of Peru. Photo: Department of International Cooperation

As for the theme, "torito" means "little bull". The bull statues are created by skilled artisans from the pottery village of Checca Pupuja in the district of Jose Domingo Choquehuenca, province of Azangaro, in southern Peru.
The torito symbolizes prosperity, joy, fertility and protection. In Andean culture, toritos typically appear in pairs, standing for the harmonious blend of positive and negative energy. The bulls have colorful and elaborate designs and were originally used as jugs or canteens. They have now become part of Peruvian culture and hold significance in ritual ceremonies, carnival celebrations, and other activities important to the Peruvian people.
Since last year, this collection of Pucará bull statues has traveled to many countries around the world, showcasing the rich heritage of the southern highlands of Peru. After Vietnam, it will continue its journey to India and South Korea.

Visitors contemplate the bull statues. Photo: Department of International Cooperation

The exhibition also features unique paintings by renowned artists Le Huy, Tran Anh Tuan and young painters. These works artistically symbolize the friendship between Peru and Vietnam.

Speaking at the opening of the event on September 18 in Hanoi, Peru's Ambassador to Vietnam, Augusto Morelli Salgado, emphasized that the special feature of the exhibition is the works created by Peruvian artisans and the bull statues contributed by Le Huy and Tran Anh Tuan, which symbolize the friendship between the two countries.

Ambassador Augusto Morelli Salgado speaks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition in Hanoi on September 18. Photo: Embassy of Peru

After the exhibition, the Embassy will deposit one of the above works in the Peruvian National Collection, titled "Pucará Bull Around the World", continuing the traveling exhibition around the world.

According to Ambassador Augusto Morelli Salgado, the participation of Vietnamese artists is of great importance. Through this, the people of both countries can gain a deeper understanding of the beauty of each other's folk culture, contributing to a better experience and friendship between two geographically distant countries.

Tran Nhat Hoang, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed that cultural and artistic exchange events are essential for promoting relations.

This is the first time the Vietnamese art-loving public has had the opportunity to see the Peruvian ceramic works and the artistic intervention by the hands of two Vietnamese artists on the Peruvian bull statues.

He also expressed his belief that this event would help the Vietnamese people better understand the spiritual and aesthetic values of the  Peruvian people.

Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation Tran Nhat Hoang speaks at the exhibition.

According to artist Le Huy, he created the bull statue using traditional Vietnamese lacquer and stylized adaptation of the pattern of clouds and dragons on the stone stairs of Kinh Thien Palace, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, motifs on Dong Son bronze drums and lotus images in ancient art.
Through these bulls, he wants to introduce the country and people of Vietnam and convey the similarities between Vietnam and Peru as two cultures rich in tradition, people who are peace-loving, friendly, open-minded, and preserve their heritage.
The exhibition runs until September 24 at the Art and Culture Center, 22 Hang Buom Street, Hanoi.