A special gallery space has been dedicated to folk art from various states around Mexico. The display on the main floor in the central courtyard is dedicated to the Catrinas from Capula in the state of Michoacan.
The Catrina, a conceited female dandy, mocks the European-influenced ruling, upper class during the reign of Porfirio Diaz. The word Catrina is the feminine form of the word catrin,
which means elegant. Today, the Catrina is one of the most popular
figures of the Day of the Dead celebrations and a symbol that has been
mass produced.
The pottery of Juan Mata Ortiz is the recreation of the Mongollon pottery found in the archaeological site of Casa Grandes in the state of Chihuahua. Named after the town, it was JUan Quezada Celado who recreated this pottery with updated designs. Eventually friends and neighbors learned this technique and by the 1990's, pieces were being sold in high end galleries and shown in museums.
The burnished pottery of Tonala is well know. In the 1960's, it was Jorge Wilmont who made two major contributions to the ceramics, introducing firing the pottery at high temperatures and introducing modern designs into them mix with the traditional Mexican Designs. He said, “La cerámica de las artes es una de las más
antiguas y a su vez de las más modernas” (Ceramics is one of the oldest
and most modern art forms)
Thus, the need to preserve tradition but modify it.
He also was known for his creations of the “bruñido” pottery in the form of animals: lions, cats, quail, turtles, doves...
Petatillo pottery from Tonala in the state of Jalisco. Created in the early 20th century, Petatillo decoration refers to the crosshatch pattern of lines in the background of the main design. The name comes from the petates, the woven straw mats. Once the main design is applied, the petatillo fills in the empty spaces.
Like Puebla, the ceramic Mayolica or Talavara ware, is also well known in the state of Guanajuato. Made in a similar manner, the designs from Guanajuato are a bit less formal with a looser style.
Gorky Gonzales, originally a painter and sculptor, was responsible for revitalizing the Majolica industry. In
the early 1960s he came across an antique piece of pottery imported from
the Mediterranean and began experimenting with the double glaze
technique known as Majolica. The technique, traditionally associated
with Spanish colonialism, had been abandoned in Mexico after they gained
their independence in the 1820’s. Today Guanajuato and the nearby town of Dolores Hidalgo have a successful talavera industry.
The state of Michoacan is famous for its numerous artisans. The stacking green pots, Torres de ollas, is a well known design from Patamban. Patamban and San Jose de Gracia is well known for their greenglazed pinas, large pineapple-shaped water jars. The large black glazed tree of Life candelabra comes from San Fe de la Laguna.
The state of Guerrero is known for its numerous masks used in ceremonial dances celebrating many different occasions. Usually made of wood, from the avocado tree, copal, pine and willow.
Another important product of Olinala, Guerrero is lacquerware, seen in these handsome chests.
The state of Mexico surrounds the country's capital city. Metepec is best known for its Trees of Life and Death. Metepec's patron saint is San Isidore, the farmer (as shown above).
"La Pulqueria" by Pedro Linares - Mexico City. The Linares family in Mexico City are among the best known artesans of the craft known as "cartoneria" or the use of papier-mache to create hard sculptured objects. Famous for the creation of forms such as skeletons, skulls, Judas
figures and fantastical creatures called alebrijes.
I can totally relate to the next three photos, for this is the area I am taking my next group to, Chiapas.
The Fiesta Grande de Chiapa de Corzo takes place from January 8 to 23 of each year, to celebrate the feast
of San Sebastian.
The whole city of Chiapa de Corzo participates actively in the
celebration, taking part in the dances of the Parachicos (masked
dancers) and parades.
The beautiful textiles that the mannequin is wearing is from Zinacantan. A town knowfor their textiles and their Sunday market.
Pottery from Amatenango del Valle in Chiapas. The women are the primary potters and the jaguar is a popular theme.
Textiles from Zinacantan and San Juan Chamula, Note the large jaguar from Amatenango del Valle.
A wonderful collection of folk art and textiles.
MUSEO DOLORES OLMEDO PATINO
Avenida Mexico 5843
La Noria
Xochimilco
Tuesday - Sunday
10am - 6pm
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