Alejandro López Núñez receives Craft Excellence Seal for sonic ceramics

Artisan Alejandro López Núñez, from El Melón in the Nogales commune, has been awarded the Sello de Excelencia a la Artesanía (Craft Excellence Seal). The distinction was presented by the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage in collaboration with the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

López specializes in sonic ceramics, an ancestral technique using local clay to create instruments inspired by the natural landscape and fauna of the Andes. His notable work, ‘Llamado del Cerro’, reproduces the howl of a culpeo fox. The award also recognizes Manuela Tromben from Valparaíso for her ‘Canasto Curaumilla’ work.

Winners will have their pieces included in the official national catalog, participate in Mercosur artisanal excellence competitions, and be registered in the Chile Artesanía registry. This year's ceremony is significant as Law No. 21.788 elevates the Excellence Seal to a formal state recognition for artisanal creation.