Description
Since the 1930s, the Panduro family has specialized in the craft of pottery making. The entire family will work together to make a certain type of pottery.
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. Common everyday pottery (la loza corriente) is simply decorated. It comes in a range of shapes and sizes. Most of this pottery is used to hold food or liquids.
The more decorative pottery is often used for ceremonies or household decoration. Pots are decorated with slips (layers of liquid clay), paints, and glazes. Animal and human figurines are often made for sale. 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. Traditional pottery is still made, but now usually for sale.
