Mexican Tin Art

I love Mexican folk art! Whenever possible, I try to buy directly from artisans who create it. The songs that speak to me, and I continue to add to my collection. The others, I share with family and friends as gifts, or sell to other collectors and lovers of interior design.

Many people collect fine art museum by famous Mexican artists. Others choose practical items such as dishes Talavera, hand-woven textiles or jewelry in silver. Some prefer items such as ceremonial or religious, such as masks with beads, prayer bowls or altarpieces. Still others are attracted to bright colors and whimsical design of wood carvings from Oaxaca Alebrije known, painted tin ornaments, and the day of the dead miniatures. Each of these elements, and many others are not mentioned, contribute to the diversity and charm of the Mexican folk art.

The history of Mexico is represented in the Mexican folk art. Each piece tells a story or a symbolic representation of the Mexican people and their culture. Some folk art reflects the aboriginal cultures of the past, lost to colonization by the Spaniards. Spanish influences are also present in some works, like the Christians, pagan and folk themes. A true collector must consider the beliefs and cultural values of Mexico in depth to understand the Mexican folk art.

As a collector of news, you want to know what to look for to make sure that your Mexican folk art is authentic. A key element is the use of local materials in each region of Mexico. For example: Alebrije are made from wood of the copal tree. This tree grows only in the valley of Oaxaca. Crafting is another telling indicator. Skills and style vary between artisans and price and quality appropriate to their abilities. However, the real work is still aesthetically pleasing, well made, and is usually marked in some way, whether signed by the artist, noted his village, or at least labeled Hecho en Mexico.

If you are able to visit Mexico, buy directly from the folk art craftsmen or purchase of shops in the area where it is made. Do not buy from suppliers in the tourist areas, unless you want to pay inflated prices for items that may be of inferior quality. If your purchases are limited to specialty shops, galleries and online stores in the U.S., make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller and always check their return policies before buying.

For additional help, there are many resources available in your local bookstore. The best, although expensive, is the Grand Masters of Mexican folk art by Candida Fernandez de Calderon. Several others are in good hands on guides for a specific type of folk art or a region of Mexico.

A final and most important thing in my opinion. When you are buying and collecting Mexican folk art, you help artisans earn a living wage through fair trade that allows them to support their families. You are also supporting the continuation of ancient traditions and crafts of older generations, rather than endorsing mass produced cheaply made copies of the real thing.

Now go shopping!