Meet Sandra Ten Zijthoff | Ceramist & Anthropologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Ten Zijthoff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey into creating ceramic whistling vessels wasn’t a calculated business decision, but an extension of my desire to pursue what I love to do. After completing my master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam and my undergraduate studies at CU Boulder in Colorado, I decided to only dedicate my time to projects that truly inspire me—art, music, and conservation work.
When I relocated to Ecuador, I discovered these incredible ancient instruments which originate in Ecuador and Peru. I am half Peruvian and immediately felt a deep sense of curiosity and connection with whistling vessels as soon as I started to learn more about them and heard some of their sounds. Though it doesn’t yet provide my full income, I’m gradually expanding this passion into a more substantial part of my work and livelihood. For me, creating these vessels connects me with the elements: fire, water, earth and air, as well as ancestral people and their traditions, and sharing that connection with others around the world brings me a lot of fulfillment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art revolves around creating pre-Colombian whistling vessels from Peru and Ecuador—ceramic instruments that produce mystical sounds when activated by water. What distinguishes my practice is the combination of respect for ancestral techniques and my commitment to education through online courses and workshops, allowing people worldwide to connect with these traditions and methods. This journey began after my studies at CU Boulder and the University of Amsterdam, when I immersing myself in Ecuador’s culture and spent countless hours of experimentation with these complex vessels.

The path hasn’t been easy—mastering the technical aspects took years of practice, shipping these delicate pieces internationally presented constant challenges, and establishing a presence in such a specialized field while based far from major art markets required persistence and adaptability. Co-founding Nuestra Aldea Creativa provided a framework connecting my artistic work to broader conservation efforts, reinforcing what I want people to understand about these vessels: they represent sophisticated ancestral knowledge and a harmonious relationship with nature that deserves preservation. Each piece offers a tangible connection to our human heritage in an increasingly digital world, creating moments of magic and wonder that transcend time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Boulder holds a special place in my heart from my days at CU, and I’d start by immersing my friend in the natural beauty that makes this area magical. We’d begin with a hike at Chautauqua Park to experience the Flatirons up close, followed by a stroll down Pearl Street Mall for local shopping and street performers. For outdoor adventures, we’d spend a day visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, and reserve time for tubing down Boulder Creek when the weather’s warm. I’d also make sure we caught a concert at Boulder Theater or Red Rocks Amphitheatre!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey with pre-Columbian whistling vessels would not be possible without several key influences in my life. First and foremost, I must express profound gratitude to my parents. Their sacrifices and generosity provided me with educational opportunities and lived esxperiences that sparked my curiosity about the world, different cultures, art and music. More importantly, they taught me how to appreciate life for what it is—finding beauty and meaning in the everyday and the wealth of diversity among different cultures. Their support gave me the courage to follow an unconventional path.

I also want to shoutout to Paulina, my partner, who is an infinite source of wisdom and has profoundly influenced my purpose, especially in the last four years since we co-founded Nuestra Tierra Aldea Creativa. This NGO in Ecuador drives my commitment to conserving ancestral knowledge and protecting our primary cloudforest, where I’ve seen the meaningful connections between art, conservation, and cultural heritage firsthand.

Website: https://huacoarte.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenzijth/

Linkedin: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/sandra-ten-zijthoff

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@huacoarte