‘mapuguaquén’ by chilean designer pablo ocqueteau was recently shortlisted in the designboom / macef competition ‘the intelligent hand’.

‘mapuguaquén’

the identity of chilean design is far from big-name brands and their large industrial factories. it is a country whose traditions and cultural identity are still prominent through the craft-worker’s hands, whose techniques were taught from masters. ‘mapuguaquén’ (mapudungun for ‘sound of the earth’) are speakers which are made from clay and have been formed on a potter’s wheel. it was developed as a proposal to rescue this manufacturing tradition, respecting local identity, but still keeping in mind current contemporary needs.

clay speakers - 2 ‘mapuguaquén’ ready to be fired in the kiln

clay speakers - 3 inside the workshop