Mexican Folk Art - from Oaxaca to You

The Mexican state of Oaxaca (pronounced woh-HAH-ka) is the homeland of the storied Zapotec Indians. From its architecture, to its festivals, to its cuisine, to its amazingly talented craftsmen, Oaxaca is one of the most fascinating spots in Mexico.

Poster advertising Day of the Dead celebrations at Oaxaca's main cemetery, San Miguel.

If you are looking for hand-made, unique and colorful art and collectibles, browse through my on-line sales gallery. You will find dozens of whimsical Oaxacan woodcarvings, the wooden animal sculptures prized by collectors and admirers of Mexican crafts. They are hand-carved, hand-painted, one-of-a-kind, and signed by the artists. You will also find glittering tin Christmas ornaments from Oaxacan tinsmiths. I also feature trees of life and other decorative ceramic sculptures from nearby Izucar de Matamoros, and a varied selection of Day of the Dead pieces in wood, ceramic and papier mache.

I have been traveling to the Oaxaca region since 1999. I buy all the artwork featured on this web site directly from the gifted, hard-working craftsmen who make it.

Oaxaca's Peaceful Atmosphere

Oaxaca city has emerged from last year's civil unrest, when citizens lodged protests and pressed for needed reforms from their government. The city has resumed its traditional peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. The best news for the artists is that the tourists have started to return, although not yet in the numbers of previous years. The welfare of many Oaxacan craftspeople, who depend on tourist sales to support their families, is now looking brighter.

For more details on the aftermath of the protests, here's an August 1, 2007 report from NPR Radio, "Deep Divisions Remain in Oaxaca." And here is a June 2007 report from the Wall Street Journal, "A Treasure's Comeback Bid." You may also want to see this January 2007 news story from the Los Angeles Times, "Artists Lead Comeback from Oaxaca Political Strife."

So Exotic, Intriguing

Oaxaca city is located about six hours (drive time) southeast of Mexico City. It sits on the vast, mile-high plateau of the Oaxaca Valley, surrounded by the majestic Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. It's a colonial city of cobblestone streets and marvelous 16th-century stone buildings and plazas. First-time visitors are captivated by the shaded zocalo, the mountain vistas, the intoxicating aroma of the chocolate grinder shops, the lively street music and the warmhearted residents. It is blessed by a year-round, brilliant sun and crisp, mountain air. It's forever springtime in Oaxaca.

Oaxacan Culture

Oaxaca is known for its indigenous peoples, descendants of the Mixtec and Zapotec Indians. They live in villages with names like Zaachila, Tlacolula and Teotitlan del Valle. These remote towns dot the valleys and mountain-sides near Oaxaca City, and are nestled in the lowlands that border the lush Pacific Coast. Today, Oaxaca state has the largest percentage of indigenous Indians in the Western Hemisphere. They speak 52 dialects of eight distinct languages; if they speak Spanish, too, it is a second language to them. The famous archeological sites of Monte Alban and Mitla are reminders of the splendid legacies of the past, but the richness of Oaxaca's cultural life today -- its handcrafts, folklore, festivals, food and markets -- reflect the enduring influence of the ancient peoples.

Enjoy Las Fiestas

In Oaxaca, hardly a week goes by without some sort of fiesta or street parade. For ten days in July, it is the Guelaguetza, the renowned fiesta of Oaxacan folk dance. Dancers in magnificent costumes come from the seven regions of Oaxaca state to perform traditional dances to live music. Events are held both in Oaxaca city, and in nearby villages. It's great fun. On August 31, there is the Blessing of Animals. It's quite a sight to see all the pets dressed up and paraded to the church of La Merced! If you hunger for those hot Mexican chiles, or Oaxaca's rich and spicy mole sauces, go down for the "Food of the Gods" festival in early October.

One of the most colorful celebrations is the Day of the Dead. It actually occurs over three days, October 31, November 1 and 2. Clouds of burning incense, bales of marigolds, piles of candy skulls and the annual return visit of "los muertos" take over the city and cemeteries. Next up is the "Night of the Radishes" a few days before Christmas. Farmers compete for prizes in lavish displays of hand-carved and hand-woven radish and corn husk figurines. Sounds corny, but it draws big crowds. 'Till you've been to Oaxaca, you'll never know what fantastic things can be made from a pile of radishes!

Enjoy the web site. Send me your questions and comments!