The richness of Mexican craftsmanship dates back to the ancient Mayan civilisation. The vibrant colours as well as unique patterns are rooted in this ancient kingdom, with later influence from Spanish and Moorish culture. Oaxaca is known as the craft capital of Mexico, where many artisans and weavers are based.
Pottery
The art of crafting pottery is an ancient practice that goes back 3,000 years in Mexico - with traditions and lore rooted in the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilisations.
The state of Oaxaca (otherwise known as the capital of craft in Mexico) is known for its diverse and rich pottery traditions. With over 70 villages known for creating pottery, each village has a distinctive method and style for producing pottery. Some villages are renowned for the use of tree bark as a natural while, while other villages are famous for black pottery, a unique form of pottery featuring charcoal. Some artisans shape their ceramics by hand, while other artisans use open pits to fire their ceramics.
Gourd-inspired pottery in southeastern Mexico
The QUEMAR Bud Vase highlights the art of pottery from Puebla. Inspired by the shape of the ancient gourds, a traditional Mexican drinking vessel, the artisan relies on her hand and the wheel to mould her pottery. This ceramic piece features river mud as a soft, terracotta glaze. The artisan slowly fires her ceramics in an open pit for over four hours. The final touch is a bit of beeswax - which adds a lovely shine but also helps minimise any porousness which may emerge.
Our Mexican Conscious Lifestyle Range honours the rich heritage of Oaxacan craftsmanship.
Palm Weaving
The jipijapa palm is an indigenous plant that grows in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Bolivia. Jipijapa is a species that is similar to the toquilla palm that is used in Ecuador to create the famed panama hats. This soft, flexible and durable material makes for stunning works of art that are as long-lasting as they are beautiful.Our JIPIJAPA Palm Fans and JIPIJAPA Earrings feature this beautiful, natural fibre. Jipijapa leaves are cultivated by hand by artisan families. Once cut, the leaves are cut into strips, and then left to dry in an enclosed room with sulphur. Due to the extreme heat in southern Mexico, artisan families will often weave in underground caves.
Jipijapa palm fields in southeastern Mexico
This provides protection from the extreme weather but the damp and humid environment means that the jipijapa fibres become pliable, and thus, are easier to weave.
The fans are made with undyed jiipijapa, along with naturally dye that includes indigo (blue) and the chac xiu plant (pink). Discover the natural beauty of the jipijapa plant with our latest additions to our Conscious Lifestyle Range.
Hats and fans being woven in caves
Live more mindfully with our conscious artisanal range from Mexico. Discover the Conscious Lifestyle Range here.
Our newly launched Conscious Lifestyle Range
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