Mexican artesanias
Photo: Gzzz, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Whether you are a connoisseur of art, a cultured traveller, or just someone who wants a really cool, meaningful souvenir of your trip to Mexico, this guide can help you understand what kinds of local folk art (known as artesanía) are commonly sold in Mexico. It will give you some background as to how they're made and will provide some tips as to what distinguishes the high-end gallery-quality pieces from the mass market schlock.
ArtesaniasArtesanias is the commonly used term for handmade crafts and folk art. It includes items that are purely decorative, but also items that are practical items for common household use.
PotteryTalavera is a unique blend of Chinese, Arabic, and Mexican patterns on a range of different products, from elegant vases to dinner ware, to ceramic tiles used on walls or floors.
SculptureAlebrijes are fantastical creatures in brilliant colors that are one of Mexico's most iconic artesanias. Paper mache alebrijes are common in Mexico City.
MetalworkMexico is the world's leading producer of silver, yet only a fraction of the prodigous output ends up crafted by Mexican artisans.
TextilesA wide variety of traditional Mexican garments are made using traditional materials and techniques and decorated using historically or culturally significant motifs.
FurnitureHandmade, solid wood furniture is common in Mexico. Unlike most of the things in this article, furniture isn't exactly something you can pack in your suitcase for the trip home.S.S. that has it.
PaperAmate is a Mexican paper making technique that dates back to at least the first century AD. It was the type of paper used by the Mayan and Aztec civilizations to record their codices.
BasketryBasketry might just be the oldest traditional craft of all the things you might find in an artesania, but it is one of the least celebrated or practiced in a modern era where cheap plastic containers from China make…
JewelryIn addition to silver jewelry, Mexico has a long tradition of jade and turquoise jewelry.
Huichol ArtThe Huichol people, who refer to themselves as the Wixarika, are a Mexica people whose language is related to Nahuatl (the language of the Aztecs), but the languages are distinct and not mutually intelligible, and the…
DestinationsThe places listed in this section are well-known workshops for high-end artesanias. Most offer tours or educational behind-the-scenes looks at how the crafts are made.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Mexican artesanias" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Gzzz, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons