Mexican folk art often has more than just a decorative purpose. Originating as a mixture of indigenous artistic traditions and European technology, it is still created today by craftsmen without any formal training, often from a group of indigenous peoples. Some of the handcrafted items in this country include ceramics, toys, wall hangings, vases, furniture, textiles and much more. Often their production had an artisanal beginning, which, thanks to the talent of craftsmen and demand from consumers, including travelers, grew into a real artistic craft. Folk art is considered an important part of Mexico's national identity. Today, Mexican artesania is exported and is one of the reasons why the state attracts tourists.
From the state of Oaxaca most often associated with typical Mexican folk art, each region contributes its own contribution to the people's heritage. We want to briefly introduce you to the world of Mexican handicrafts and have chosen ten of the most famous ones.
Silver jewelry from Taxco, Guerrero
Taxco is known throughout the world as the «silver city» Mexico, but it is also beautiful in itself and full of history. Located almost on the border of the states of Guerrero and Mexico City. When you visit Taxco, it seems like silver shops and shops are everywhere. You will also notice a difference in the products sold: some of them are of rather low artistic value, while others — real works of art, hence the price difference. Taxco silver items can also be found in a variety of places throughout Mexico as they are very popular.
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Textiles and woven rugs from Oaxaca
Both textiles and woven rugs — two of the most widespread works of Mexican folk art that deserve mention. While textiles, such as the traditional and often heavily embroidered huipil blouse or men's guayabera shirts, are now sold throughout the country, woven rugs are best purchased in markets and shops in Oaxaca, as they have the largest selection and are created by hereditary craftswomen.
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Alebrije from Oaxaca
More one key cultural heritage site of Oaxaca — Brightly hand-painted alebrijes are one of the most popular souvenirs from Mexico that never look like a cheap craft. Alebrijes are hand carved from wood and then decorated. They are amazingly light and every detail is unique. Due to its fragility, care must be taken during transportation. Another interesting piece of Mexican folk art made from wood is the molinillo, which is exquisite but tedious as it is designed to froth hot chocolate.
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Leather goods from Leóna, Guanajuato
León is considered the center of leather production in Mexico. If you want very affordable and very authentic cowboy boots, a leather saddle bag, or even just a nifty coin purse, you should head to León. Closely associated with cowboy and Charreria culture, this city is where you can find finely detailed and authentic Mexican products, especially in the so-called Leather Zone, where shops and leather goods shops occupy entire blocks. The range is so large that there is literally something for everyone, from elaborately embossed items to simpler items for everyday use. Of course, counterfeits of all well-known brands are also presented here.
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Huichol beadwork from Jalisco, Durango and Nayarit
The Huichol people are considered the parents of these elaborate jewelry and works of art, made up of thousands of tiny, colorful beads. You can find dainty earrings, statement necklaces, and delicate bracelets in the Huichol style. But it's the larger pieces of art that draw the most interest, such as heavily decorated jaguar sculptures and beaded sugar skulls. Each piece takes hours of intense effort to create, and buying directly from the manufacturers guarantees originality and a better price.
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Pottery from Oaxaca, Puebla and Jalisco
Speaking of pottery, it is generally accepted that Oaxaca and Puebla reign supreme in this area of folk art. San Bartolo Coyfromepec in Oaxaca boasts polished, almost artificial-looking black ceramics that will add elegance to any interior. Puebla is best known for its decorative talavera tiles. All regional pottery is made only from clay mined in Puebla, and usually only six natural colors are used. Finally, the state of Jalisco is best known for its polished Brunido style ceramics.
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Hammocks from Yucatan
Allowed, hammock — it is the most useful of all folk arts, besides shoes and leather sandals. Hammocks are typical for the state of Yucatan in Mexico, where they served to protect against insects crawling on the ground and saved them from the heat of the night. If you, like the locals, want to enjoy a relaxing sleep in a hammock, buy a hammock that is handmade and made only from natural fabrics. We won’t give advice on colors; there are a great many of them. Traditional hammocks from Yucatan are durable and very practical. Many homes and even hotels in Mexico have built-in hooks on the walls, from which you can easily attach a hammock.
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Tree of Life from Mexico City
The beautiful trees of life, for which Mexico City is best known, are one of Mexico's most decorative and intricate folk art forms and are clearly non-functional objects. No guide to Mexican folk art would be complete without mentioning these skillfully crafted and colorfully decorated objects. Once upon a time, these trees of life depicted biblical stories, but modern ones tell completely different tales.
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Paper crafts
One of the types of Mexican folk art that is prominently present in the daily life of Mexicans, but is often ignored by travelers, — products made from carved paper. You can meet them anywhere in Mexico. It is still a pre-Columbian art form and has its origins in Mayan culture. At first, carved paper was used to document daily life or to decorate clothing. Over time, paper craft in Mexico has evolved into what we see today — Finely hand-cut laser-cut banners and wrappers that adorn public buildings and homes throughout Mexico. Unfortunately, today they are made not only from paper, but also from synthetic materials, for this reason, look for authentic items.
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Hand-blown glass from Tonal and Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
More is one beautiful and consistently practical piece of folk art common in Mexico and popular with locals and travelers alike,— hand blown glass. Objects produced using this technique are unique and beautiful, often with streaks of bright colors and the most incredible iridescence. If you're looking for deep glasses, margarita glasses or just slim tall stemware for your next cocktail party, hand-blown Mexican glass — your choice.
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