Venetian Red: Notes From the Field

In Notes From the Field, we highlight innovative, witty, and thought-provoking design elements recorded by our readers from around the world.

Signpost, 11/2/09, Perú. (Photo courtesy of Juanita Garciagedoy.)

Juanita writes:

The llama-crossing sign is on the road that goes through Reserva Salinas Aguada Blanca, a few hours from Arequipa, Perú.  The reserve is home to many species of plants, birds, and critters, including wild vicuñas and domesticated alpacas and llamas.  Tourists are only permitted to go there with a guided tour, and on our bus there were several Peruvians, and several Europeans including Mira, a Finnish adventurer and instructor of surfing and physical education.

I took a multiple shots of this signpost, but prefer this one for the sense of surrealism I derive from it.

Venetian Red adds: We like this sign for its multiplicity of information. While locals are cautioned about the road hazard, visitors are additionally alerted to the more poetic cultural message embedded in the sign’s image. You’re not in Kansas, Toto!