In this short but interesting article you will discover everything about the Crafts of the Mixtecos Through this information, these handicrafts include goldsmith pieces carved in the precious gold, as well as other details that will surprise you.
Mixtec handicrafts
Before mentioning the phrase crafts of the Mixtecos, a Mexican ethnic group, it is necessary to learn the origin of this term, so that we can explore crafts as any art to make artifacts using only the hands.
In addition, for this elaboration of various products, the use of certain very simple materials is accompanied, in order to obtain a perfect finish for each object that is manufactured.
In this article, we will talk a little about the crafts of a town in Oaxaca, Mexico called Tierra de la Lluvia, better known as the indigenous group Los Mixtecos.
They were characterized by having expert women in crafts, creating endless spectacular elements that were loved by all the Mexican people, and all the designs were unique.
For the elaboration of each drawing, they used natural paints to color their creations. Why natural? Because they used a small worm, with a characteristic red color, called cochineal.
In addition to the fact that the cochineal was also used as food, it was an exquisite appetizer and loved by all the Mixtecs, this worm gave a coppery red color to each creation that the artisans made.
It is important to mention that the artisans were considered free workers, which means that they were in the third position in the hierarchical pyramid of the Mixtec society.
Thus coming to have their own businesses to work and produce, but these in turn had servants to call them in one way or another, who were only in charge of helping, but they could not. they have their own business.
For this reason, artisans were known as the best workers of the ethnic group, followed by farmers and ranchers.
The woman represents the crafts of the Mixtecos
The crafts were mainly practiced by women, since they were more delicate in doing everything, using only their hands, they were able to build beautiful items for the house.
Among the items they built and distributed among the Mexicans are the following:
- Gourds.
- More expensive.
- Clay pot.
- Ships.
- plates
These being the main objects created with clay, using only the hands starting only with a clay tortilla, they are gradually modeled until each object is obtained. However, they not only worked with clay, they also wove, managing to create beautiful textiles, among which:
- Skirts
- Covers.
- Napkins
- Cushions
- Blankets.
- Backpacks.
- Shirts.
- Overwhelmed.
- tangles.
- Refreshes.
All only with the use of wool and cotton, using these garments in the same way in their common clothes. In addition, they made various fabrics with palm trees, managing to create beautiful baskets, hats, tenates, soybeans, vases, purses and rugs, which were sold with great fervor in the streets of the Mixteca, for all of Mexico.
Crafts of the Mixtecs today
Despite the fact that Mixtec artisans over time dwindled every time they existed and there are currently generations of their descendants who are in charge of crafts in Mexico.
They currently have very striking stores where they exhibit all the creations of these women and of course they continue to create a variety of outfits and objects.
It should also be noted that not only Mexicans buy these products, but tourists who come to Mexico for a walk are also enthusiastic fans of these clothes and objects, especially those made of palm and clay.
Current garments
There are Sicaru crafts, which means "beautiful" in this place, the women create endless beautiful garments, in bright colors, that cost from 6000 to 7000 pesos.
They also make a variety of blouses and oils, which are more expensive and cost 12.000 pesos. There are also several inexpensive petticoats for girls.
The varied expressions of a symbolic art
Since they were the most important craftsmen in Mesoamerica, Mixtec crafts focused on minor arts, which they worked with extraordinary skill, generating a series of works considered true jewels.
What were the characteristics of the crafts of the Mixtecs
Mixtec crafts were linked to religious and cultural matters, in this sense, the most impressive pieces were destined to adorn temple altars or used in rituals. Likewise, other objects were made that were used by the political and religious nobility in their daily lives.
This artistic expression, which reached its peak during the postclassic period, achieved notable recognition throughout the Mesoamerican region for the beauty of its pieces.
Especially in the minor arts, from its development in architecture or stone carving. it was fragile compared to other civilizations. In this way, their skills are concentrated in the manufacture of pieces of goldsmithing, textiles, basketry and ceramics, and in their codices they display quite a pictorial art.
Main craft manifestations of the Mixtecs
Characterized by its great variety, the crafts of the Mixtec culture include pieces of gold, bone and rock crystal carved in gold, such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, masks, guards. nails, earmuffs, nose rings, handles for fans and pectorals.
That in some cases having for it the techniques of hammering, rolling, casting which is inlaid with precious stones such as turquoise. It will use lost, welding and filigree.
As for pottery, Mixtec crafts are distinguished by their polychrome clay pottery, in colors such as red, orange, black, gray or white, based on cochineal pigments, flowers. and land plants.
They make glasses, cups, jugs, plates, containers and figures with a zoomorphic appearance. In addition, they made clay sculptures modeled by hand or sculpted with a kind of spatula, which were then polished with quartz and burned for their final finish.
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