Leather sculptor Norman Vieira says a great deal of his work was stolen a few days ago and he is asking craft shops in the city to keep an eye out for his unique pieces.
On Friday last, Vieira said, someone quietly removed his bag filled with sculpted work valuing around $250,000 while he was setting up his stand at Main Street. He has since reported the matter to the police, but according to him there have been no leads.
Vieira told Stabroek News that two persons selling near him were questioned but they both claimed to have seen nothing.
The incident has left the sculptor depressed, but he is optimistic that the persons involved would be caught.
According to Vieira, his sculpted leather works are unique. He claims to be the only person working professionally who produces such exotic leather craft. He said craft shop owners can easily pick up his pieces from works produced by others.
Vieira said he would usually sell his work to craft shops such as Craft Plus and Liz’s Antiques near the Guyana Post Office on North Road; Roots and Culture Gallery at Bourda and Home Furnishing in Charlotte Street among others.
For over 30 years he has been in the business of leather sculpting and this is the first time he has suffered such a major loss.
Vieira said his works are always of a high quality since he would spend hours on a single item.
He said that among the items stolen was a wide collection of leather bands which usually retail between US$25-US$40 and other leather jewellery, in addition to a few stone carvings.
