TREASURES I HAVE

On a visit to the beautiful state of Oaxaca, in Mexico, which sits on the southern pacific coast of Mexico, and is mostly mountianous with wide, fertile valleys. The Zapotec and Mixtec dominate the indian groups in the state. There are fourteen indigenous languages and ninety dialects.

Oaxaca has a rich and interesting history. It´s ancient history is truely amazing, as the Zapotec Indians created a civilization comparable to the Aztec and Mayan Indians in their achievements.

I have been fortunate to have had the oppotunity of visiting Oaxaca and the fascinating ruins of the Zapotec Capital, Monte Alban, in the central valley of Oaxaca. The Zapotec and Mixtec are incredibly and wonderfully talented craftsmen, working in the art of textile, pottery, gold and silver.

(These picture´s were taken several years ago with an older digital camera so they are not the best, but it really was quite beautiful)

In the nearby town of San Bartolo Cayotepec, the world renowned Oaxacan Black Pottery is produced. This area has produced pottery for centuries.

Several years ago, during a trip to Vera Cruz, Mexico, we were able to visit Oaxaca and the sleepy little town of San Bartolo, where we stopped in at "Alfareria Doña Rosa´s" or Lady Rosa´s Pottery. Doña Rosa developed the process for making Oaxacan Black Pottery, she passed away in 1980, but her amazingly talented son Valentin, continues to produce this beautiful craft today. We met him during our visit and watched as he worked on his pottery wheel shaping bowls, pitchers and jars. Black Clay Pottery is used exclusively for display purposes, as it cannot tolerate water or liquids, and is distinquished by it´s silvery black appearance.

(Valintin crafting a decorative pitcher and a picture of his mother just above the children)

The prepared clay is smooth and tan in color. Once the pottery is thrown it is dried in the sun, then embellished, smoothed by using a broken shard of pottery, then baked in a kiln for many hours. The technique for the process of baking is a secret, but the lack of oxygen during baking produces a black smoke and this is what transforms the clay from tan to black. This particular clay is exclusive to the Oaxacan region of Mexico.

(Pretty designs)

I´ve enjoyed displaying this unique piece of pottery on my shelf and look forward to another visit to Oaxaca and San Bartolo, in the near future. What a lovely, lovely place Oaxaca is, steeped in the traditions of its culture, almost untouched by modern society.