Handcrafted Wood Peruvian Charango Guitar, "Tumí"

For generations, the Tito family legacy has helped to preserve the musical traditions of the Peruvian Andes. The art of crafting musical instruments to produce the haunting music indigenous to this region has been passed from father to son. Benito is now an elder master. He embraces every opportunity to teach younger artisans the vast array of skills required to handcraft a musical instrument and proudly incorporates local materials, such as jungle bamboo, into his designs.

Now in his seventies, Benito has had cataract surgery but now faces glaucoma. Work is more difficult for him but he refuses to give up. The income from the sales of his musical instruments help him care for his wife who can no longer care for herself, pay for his grandchildren’s education and maintain his dignity. He is grateful that the orders for his work have increased since joining Novica.

Whenever Benito has a large order or many orders to fill at the same time, he hires other craftspeople to help him. He especially likes to give work to those who are from his hometown of Puno - he likes to be able to share the income this work brings with others in his community.

As Benito's sales have grown through Novica, he has been able to hire other artisans to help meet the demand for his handcrafted instruments. He has trained many of them in this traditional craft and prides himself on preserving this traditional Peruvian art form.

Now in his seventies, Benito is entirely dependent upon Novica sales. The income derived from the sales of his musical instruments support him, his wife and his grandchildren. He also gives work to other artisans when he needs help to meet the demand for his work.

Now in his seventies, Benito lives with one of his children and their children. Their parents provide for their children's food and clothing and Benito proudly pays for his grandchildren's education, even though he often struggles to do so.

Benito Tito has received a $450 microcredit loan with 0% interest. Proceeds were used to purchase wood, strings and accessories for his musical instruments.

This artist is an elder master and continues to actively practice their craft.