Behind the Design

Folk Art Is Not An Easy Word To Define

March 11, 2016

Some folk art is made for sale to collectors. Other things considered folk art by some are made to be used every day, such as hand-made children's toys. Some folk art in Mexico has been influenced by the Spanish while other folk art is based on traditional Indian arts and craft. Today, about 8 percent of the Mexican population, many of them Indian, earns a living making and selling forms of folk art and craft. Folk arts often begin with the creative ideas of a single person or a family and are then taken up by others in the village. Although folk art is based on shared traditions, it is constantly changing and evolving into new forms.

Masks have been used in many cultures around the world. Masks were an important part of Mexican culture long before the Spanish arrived. Today, masks are mostly found in the southern, central, and northwestern states of Mexico where many Indian populations live. Masks are still used at many festivals and ceremonial dances. Many of the masked dances are performed to secure happiness and good fortune. Popular subjects performed with masks include reenactment of the Spanish Conquest, religious tales, and dramas that include animals and supernatural figures. In most areas masks are made by specialists who are usually men. Sometimes dancers make their own masks. Carved and painted wood is the most common material used. Masks are also made from leather, papier-mâché, clay, cloth, cardboard, wire mesh, gourds, and wax.

Pottery is probably the most popular Mexican folk art, and one of the most ancient. Pottery is found throughout the country, in many different styles and forms. Mexican pottery was traditionally made by hand, using coils or molds. Called earthenware, this clay was fired at low temperatures. Before the Spanish came to Mexico, the firing took place in bonfires. Mineral glazes, the potter's wheel and open top kilns were introduced by the Spanish and are sometimes used today. Villages often specialize in making certain types of pottery. In many areas of the country, women might make the common ware and men the decorative. In some villages the entire family will work together to make a certain type of pottery. Pottery, like all other Mexican crafts, has changed in the last 100 years.

La Fuente features a wide selection of authentic Mexican folk art for you to select from!

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