POTTERY - Ceramica
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Pottery and textiles are the two most extended artforms in Mexico in terms of vastness and variety of production. The pottery in Mexico is worldclass excellent quality and, of course, lead free. The manufacturing process for pottery employs ancient techniques that preserve Indian legacy as well as using methods that resulted from cultural contact with the Spanish. From fine dish sets to art objects to vases, bowls and urns - all is decorated in every style possible - you will find it in Mexico.
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TEXTILE - Textil
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Textile skills are as ancient in Mexico as is weaving for basketry. Even today, in villages, you can see people making thread from a bundle of raw material then going to the loom to make a beautiful object then going to the family table to stitch colorful embroidery. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of textiles in Mexico is the abundant production throughout the country, the many different styles and the perfect combination of colors. Clothing, shawls, table coverings, bedspreads, rugs and dolls are a sample of textile materials we offer.
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WOOD - Madera
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Lacquered products are the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of crafted wood products from Mexico however artisan carving has extensive tradition that extends before Pre Columbian eras in Meso America. The pages in this section are full of wood products, with pictures, from Mexico. Be sure to see these pages for shelf size lacquered and painted objects for your home or store including pages for Alebrijes, toys and carved masks. There are also pages for furniture - nicely carved entry tables, coffee tables, dining tables, screens, columns, chests, shelving, desks - which will give you great interior architectural ideas.
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METALWORKING - Metalisteria
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Fine metal materials have been crafted since early Pre Columbian times in Mexico. The exploitation of mineral mines by Colonial Spanish accelerated metal working among natives. Today, Mexico is world reknowned for artisan objects in tin, copper, silver and gold; they come in all styles from Indian, Spanish, Modern and are both functional and decorative. This section shows a lot of nice pieces from toys to jewelry.
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GLASSWARE - Vidrio
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Of the Spanish industries that were first established in Mexico, glass production was one of the most important skills transferred to the natives. Since 1542, when the first workshop was organized in Puebla, the production of glassware - for art and home - has been constant in Mexican arts and crafts and has spread throughout the country; and we enjoy dealing with it.
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PAPER - Papel
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Cardboard crafting was introduced into Mexico in the eighteenth century to manufacture figures with a ritual meaning such as items to commemorate the Day of the Dead, and is very popular today and embodies a lot of paper mache craft in combinations. However, painting on Amate paper is an artform dating to early Meso-American periods. Amate is made from the cork of wild fig trees and is to ancient Middle American cultures what papyrus was to ancient Egyptian cultures; to appreciate the Amate you need to see the larger pictures on the Amate pages. And, when browsing the pages, don't forget to view the paper cut-out heading; cut-outs are a major part of festival and party tradition in Mexico and we like them, too.
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NATURAL FIBER - Fibra Natural
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Weaving of natural fibers - reed, thule, ixtle, palm, tree willows - into useful baskets and household goods may be the deepest rooted tradition in Meso America. Natural fiber weaving could be done anywhere - around the fire, in a hammock, while watching the children, walking on the trail - and with a plethora of materials, and by young and old alike. This tradition is very much alive today in Mexican arts and crafts as evidenced by the multitude of beautiful objects produced.
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Our Visits to Suppliers
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We think you will enjoy these links. When we travel to purchase we take photos of shops and people where products are made so you can have the feel of their source and the artisans behind the product. As you will see, we do our best to support the native crafts. Brunida - Jalisco Burnished Pottery. Hojalata - Oaxacan Painted Tin Items and Figures. Majolica - Jalisco Hand Formed and Painted. Soplado - Typical Glass Blowing Factory. Maceta Warehouse, Linen Purchasing and Rope Making.
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If you do not see it, ask us, impossible to show everything. Thank you for visiting our web pages and if you do come to Saltillo, please visit us at our very nice
Hotel Hacienda Rancho El Morillo.