Mexican Folk Art - Home

PHOEBE A. HEARST MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY
Tree of Life (candelabra). The tree of life is a popular form of art in Mexico.
Shaped in the form of a tree, it is then crafted in great detail with figures such
as people, branches, flowers, fruit, animals and other subject matter. Trees of life
usually hold candles and are often placed as decorative objects at weddings,
churches, funerals, and various special occasions.
17 � MEXICAN FOLK ART
Pottery
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Pottery is probably the most popular Mexican folk art, and one of
the most ancient. Pottery is found throughout the country, in
many different styles and forms. Mexican pottery was traditionally
made by hand, using coils or molds. Called earthenware, this clay was
fired at low temperatures. Before the Spanish came to Mexico, the
firing took place in bonfires. Mineral glazes, the potter's wheel and
open top kilns were introduced by the Spanish and are sometimes used
today.
Common everyday pottery (la loza corriente) is simply decorated. It
comes in a range of shapes and sizes. Most of this pottery is used to
hold food or liquids. The more decorative pottery is often used for
ceremonies or household decoration. Pots are decorated with slips
(layers of liquid clay), paints, and glazes. Animal and human figurines
are often made for sale.
Villages often specialize in making certain types of pottery. In many
areas of the country, women might make the common ware and men
the decorative. In some villages the entire family will work together to
make a certain type of pottery.
Pottery, like all other Mexican crafts, has changed in the last 100 years.
Traditional pottery is still made, but now usually for sale.