Mexican Folk Art - Home

PHOEBE A. HEARST MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY
18 � MEXICAN FOLK ART
Clockwise: Water jar. San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca. Since the 1950s, the village
has been noted for this unique blackware. Blackware is made by what is called a
reducing atmosphere. When oxygen is prevented from reaching the pots during the
firing, the clay combines with the carbon dioxide in the air which creates a
black surface. The design is made by polishing some areas with a stone
before a firing.
Water jar in the form of a duck. Tonalá, Jalisco; ca. 1880-1915. Tonalá
pottery was traditionally popular for water jars because the clay that was
used had a nice fragrance. The back on this duck has a hole for filling it
with water and its beak has a hole for pouring the water.
Bank in the form of a human head. Tonalá, Jalisco. Though originally
made for children, ceramic banks are greatly enjoyed by adults. The head
form was first used in Tonalá during the 17th century and later made into
banks. Banks like the one pictured here are now rare.
Water jar. Yucatán. Although an example of common every day pottery, this jar is
quite pretty.
Pitcher. Ixtaltepec, Oaxaca.