The Tree of Life is a ceramic sculpture, a work of traditional craft art from Central Mexico. The most famous trees of life are made in the municipality of Metepec in the state of Mexico City.
The images that are present on the Tree of Life were used in the 16th century to tell representatives of the Indian population, who were then converted to Christianity, in figures and paints, the biblical story of the creation of the world. Traditionally, the composition of the tree must include biblical characters, Adam and Eve. But today many trees are being created with a wide variety of themes that have nothing in common with biblical stories.
The fashion for painting figurines came to Central Mexico along with the Olmec cultural tradition. In the 8th century AD. Tefromihuacan cultural influence brought religious symbolism into the making of many ceramic objects. After the Spanish Conquest, Catholic monks tried to destroy live objects associated with the cult of the former gods and replace them with images of Catholic saints, and introduced Christian iconography into the visual arts. The tree of life became a tool for the Christianization of the local population. During the Spanish colonial period, a significant amount of household ceramics was produced in the state of Mexico City, intended for local consumers. In the first decades of the 20th century, there was a demand for decorative ceramics and even luxury goods created from clay. One of these types of craft products was the Tree of Life, and the religious content was replaced with completely different themes, for example, spring or even death.
Metepec became famous for painting figurines in bright, attractive colors. So «trees» has gradually become one of the most iconic craft traditions. In addition to biblical or purely thematic characters, mythical creatures such as sirens or pegasi, as well as roosters, lions and flowers are very popular.
The most traditional type of Tree contains a number of important images. At the top of the sculpture there is an image of God, below it are tree branches. The tree has figures telling about the creation of the world in seven days. Other characteristic images are the sun, moon, Adam, Eve, living creatures, flowers and fruits, symbolizing paradise. The presence of the tempting serpent, located in the lower part of the tree, is required, and in addition to this, Archangel Michael, who expelled sinners from paradise. Traditional trees of life are mainly carved for religious or decorative purposes. Then they have containers for burning incense.
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Fashioned ceramic products are fired in a gas kiln at low temperature. Most products have dimensions of 26 and 60 cm high, and their production can take from two weeks to three months. The production of gigantic trees can take up to three years. These are already multi-meter sculptures used for display in front of the general public. Most trees are still produced by craftsmen who learned this craft from their fathers and grandfathers.
Modern trees, although they no longer represent biblical history, still have a common theme. The most common is the depiction of the dualism of life and death, or the connection between man and nature. But in most cases, the traditional biblical characters are preserved. Proponents of classical craft insist that a sculpture cannot be called the Tree of Life if it does not represent the Garden of Eden. In former times, sculptures were used in religious ceremonies, and in addition, according to tradition, they were given to newlyweds, because they were considered a symbol of beauty, large harvests and numerous offspring, today trees are produced mainly for sale.
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In addition to Metepec, Mexico, the tree of life is now produced in two other places, Isucar de Matamoros and Acatlán, both — State of Puebla. In 2009, Tree of Life became a registered trademark of the artisans of Metepec and the neighboring town of Calimaya. In both cities, about three families are engaged in their production.
In Mexico, the National Competition of Ceramists and Potters "Tree of Life" is held, which takes place annually in the municipality of Metepec. Despite its name, the subject matter and type of products are not limited to trees. It features works by masters from different regions of the country — Oaxaca, Jalisco and Guanajuato, although most of the participants are from the state of Mexico.
Based on ¡It's all Mexico!