Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
MATA ORTIZ, THE AMAZING CERAMIC CREATIONS
Handicrafts in the City of Chihuahua
In the city you can find handicrafts from all over the state, including the prestigious pieces from Mata Ortiz that have original designs where cream, red and black colors predominate.
Other typical Chihuahua crafts are the carved doll made by the Rarámuri dressed in the same colorful clothing typical of that ethnic group.
The basketry made with palmilla, soto and pine leaves, is also another craft typical of this state, like the carved wood masks where some of the most deeply rooted traditions of the Sierra Tarahumara are represented.
Other famous product of Chihuahua is the Sotol, considered the magical drink of Chihuahua and known as "the spirit of the desert." Sotol is only barely related to agave, is also smaller than the agave plant and agave and sotol grow in different regions. You find Sotol white, rested and aged.
All these products and much more can be purchased at the Casa de las Artesanías in Chihuahua.
Folk Art in Chihuahua
Handicrafts in Ciudad Juárez
You will find handicrafts from all over the country, but particularly from the state of Chihuahua such as the famous Mata Ortiz pottery, clay pots, wicker baskets, blown glass pieces and rustic lamps, among others.
In the Mercado Juárez there are several stalls with handicrafts and you can can also try some regional dishes. In addition to the market, on Lincon and Juaréz avenues you will find a wide variety of shops, many of which offer attractive handicrafts.
Handicrafts in Creel and Batopilas
The Tarahumara and Rarámuris of this area make utensils for daily use just as their ancestors did, with natural materials found in the canyons and mountains, such as wood, leather, sotol leaves, rattles, mud, among others.
The Tarahumara women make clay pots, cajetes, plates, glasses, cups and jugs; in some places they also use the palm and palmilla to weave baskets of various sizes.
Each one of the pieces that these women artists make are unique and the wide variety of products such as trays, shawls, ornamental pieces and utilitarian items give you a wide variety to choose from.
The men make violins that they use in religious festivals, as well as balls, bows and drums, trays, spoons and carve figures with wood. Others use wool to weave blankets and sash with geometric figures.
Perhaps the most typical handicrafts are rag dolls dressed in the style of Rarámuri women, as well as attractive necklaces and bracelets.
In the Museum of Popular Art of Creel, in addition to learning more about the culture and traditions of the place, you can find a wide variety of items.
Handicrafts in Paquimé and Mata Ortiz
The crafts in this region is without a doubt one of the most beautiful ceramic expressions in the world. Artisans from the village, have successfully reproduced the delicate hand coiled and elegantly painted vases and bowls made by the unknown early inhabitants of Paquime.
Mata Ortiz potters, located very close to Paquimé, have exceptional talents and their work is recognized by highly artistic and complex designs.
Their designs are characterized by light walls and sinuous, geometric, painted designs. The colors used are mainly black and red contrasting with a cream, white or coffee base. Among the elements used are stepped firet, staggered pattens, spirals, alternate pictures (such as a chess board), circles with a point in the center and zig-zag-shaped lines.
The artisans also use some zoomorphic elements in a masterful way.
You must take into account that the preparation of such an elaborate work can take from several days if it is a small one, or up to two months if it is larger piece. There is a big effort put into the manufacture of each of these works of art.