Paper Folk Art from Mexico

April 23, 2014

Since ancient times, paper has been both made and used to make crafts in Mexico. Paper created from tree bark was made into books to record ancient histories. It was also used for decoration and for ceremonial use. The Otomi Indians still prepare bark paper by hand using bark from the mulberry or fig trees. Paper garlands and masks are also a large part of Mexican festivities.

The handmade bark paper referred to above is used by Mexican artists, especially from the state of Guerrero. On this bark paper, they create lively paintings that include flowers and animal figures. The paper finds its way to the Nahua Indians of southern Mexico who has excelled for several generations at painting bright village and wildlife scenes on the hand-made paper. These Bark Paintings, papel amate, are an art form unique to the indigenous tribes of Mexico, and are sure to add more depth and culture to your home decor. In addition, La Fuente is also proud to offer classic Mayan design bark paintings that depict important deities and glyphs in Mayan culture.

Papel Picado is a popular form of decoration used for holidays and festivals in Mexico. In its simplest form, tissue paper is folded and cut with scissors to form different patterns. The paper is then glued together to form banners that can be hung most anywhere. Skilled craftsmen use tools such as blades, awls, and chisels to create more complicated designs that include animals, skeletons, flowers and much more. These craftsmen often cut through fifty or more sheets of tissue paper at one time!

Papel Pegado, more commonly known as Paper Mache, is a very popular art form in Mexico too. Large carnival head figures and piñatas are created from paper mache for various holidays and/or festivals. Paper mache masks, animals, skeletons, and dolls are created to be used for decorations. Each of our Paper Mache art pieces is hand-formed as well as hand-painted. You'll find that our paper mache figures will make a colorful addition to your décor.

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