In a powerful tribute to Paraguay’s living artistic heritage, five master ceramists have been officially recognised as Living Human Treasures of the Nation. The prestigious honour, conferred by the National Secretariat of Culture (Secretaría Nacional de Cultura), forms part of the annual Ceramist Month, a national celebration of one of Paraguay’s most enduring and expressive cultural traditions.
The guardians of clay
This year’s honourees are Roque Maqueda (78) and Bienvenida Paz Monjes (74) from Areguá, Gumercinda Irala (71) from Itá, Pablina Esquivel (84) and Teodolina Esquivel (78) from Tobati. These master artisans have spent decades transforming earth and fire into objects of beauty, preserving not just a craft, but a way of life passed down through generations.
Paying tribute to Paraguay’s master ceramists
The official award ceremony was held at the Museo de Arte Sacro in Asunción, led by the Minister of Culture, Adriana Ortiz Semidei, alongside Andrea Vázquez, President of the Instituto Paraguayo de Artesanía (IPA).
Minister Ortiz described the artists as “masters of light,” praising their work for safeguarding memory, strengthening identity, and inspiring future generations of creators.
Ceramics as cultural testimony
More than mere objects, the ceramics of Areguá, Itá, and Tobatí are tactile expressions of history, spirituality, and community pride. Each piece is shaped by hand and steeped in symbols, techniques, and stories rooted in centuries of Paraguayan tradition.
In a moving gesture, cultural authorities travelled to Tobatí to personally present the award to Teodolina Esquivel at her home. Though unable to attend the formal ceremony, her recognition was delivered with the same reverence, highlighting the deep respect for these artists in their own creative environments.
Just as Paraguayan artisans recently demonstrated ancestral techniques at FITUR 2025, these master ceramists represent a living continuation of those same traditions, rooted in earth, spirit, and identity.
Living treasures and enduring traditions
The designation of “Living Human Treasure” reflects Paraguay’s commitment to safeguarding its intangible cultural heritage. This is in line with both national legislation and UNESCO conventions. It honours not only technical mastery, but the human spirit embodied in clay.
By celebrating these five master ceramists, Paraguay affirms that tradition is not simply a memory of the past, it is a living, evolving force. These artists are more than guardians of knowledge; they are vessels of identity, shaped by time, memory, and the art of their hands.
