Tampa Uma Itinerante

Preserving Inca and Pre-Inca Heritage

Edgar Romaní Pauccar and Yovanna Champi Huamani have spent over 18 years creating Peruvian handmade jewelry under Tampa Uma. Originally from Arequipa, Peru, their journey began as itinerant artists, traveling across towns, communities, and countries to exchange knowledge and immerse themselves in Peru’s ancient and living cultures. This exploration has deeply influenced their work, which connects the timeless legacy of Inca and Pre-Inca traditions with modern craftsmanship. As skilled goldsmiths now living and working in Lima, the couple seeks to promote key values through their jewelry, including respect for Pachamama (mother earth), the preservation of cultural heritage and Peruvian identity through collective memory, and the maintenance of ancestral goldsmithing techniques.

Using techniques such as high- and low-relief repoussé, filigree, and stone inlay, Edgar and Yovanna transform silver, bronze, and copper into rings, bracelets, earrings, and more. Their process involves carefully handcrafting each piece, from the initial design sketch to the final polishing. They ensure every creation reflects the textures and patterns of Peru’s millennia-old artistic heritage. These pieces serve as a nonverbal medium for conveying cultural identity, resonating deeply with wearers and fostering pride in Peru’s rich history.

While inspired by Inca and Pre-Inca designs, Tampa Uma’s works do not simply copy historical pieces; instead, they present contemporary designs inspired by the languages of nature and the histories of ancient cultures.

Through Tampa Uma, Edgar, and Yovanna are sustaining Peru’s cultural jewelry techniques and bridging generations by making this forgotten heritage accessible to new audiences. Their work inspires individuals to embrace their roots, and many of their creations appear at red-carpet events, fashion shows, and music videos. They symbolize a proud connection to the past while making a striking visual statement in the present.