February 22, 2021

Alejandro González is renowned for preserving the ancient customs of the town of Toconao in San Pedro de Atacama. His artistic presentations are recognized in his traditional music and carvings in pumice stone and his sculptures feature throughout Tierra Atacama.

Alejandro’s sculptures and figures not only represent animals, houses and objects of the Atacameñan culture; they also symbolize a traditional profession in Toconao, a small locale in San Pedro de Atacama. His important work led to his recognition as a UNESCO Living Human Treasure in the year 2011, by the Chilean government, through the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.

The volcanoes, such as the Licancabur, are an essential part of the Atacameñan landscape, which is why the pumice or “liparita” stone is very abundant.  Toconao is a small town located in the Andean pre-mountain range, in the middle of the driest desert in the world, close to the Atacama Salt Flats. The word “toco” means “rock” in the native kunza language.