AC

Mexican Folk Art Notes

Mexican Folk Art

Overview

  • Mexican folk art reflects the diverse culture and history of Mexico.
  • Influenced by ancient civilizations, Spanish colonialism, and contemporary Mexican society.
  • Regions include Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guerrero, and more.

Mexico's Diversity

  • Geographical features: fertile valleys, tropical forests, high mountains, deserts.

Ancient Mexico

  • Civilizations: Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacán, Toltec, Aztec.
  • Agriculture: corn, beans, squash, cacao, tomatoes, chilies.
  • Trade: jade, obsidian, metals.
  • Technologies: pottery, weaving, stone-working; creation of a 260-day ritual calendar.

The Spanish Conquest (1519-1821)

  • Hernando Cortés' conquest over the Aztecs.
  • Emergence of mestizo culture from Spanish and indigenous intermarriages.
  • Spanish introduced horses, Catholicism, and various technologies.

Mexican Revolution & Renaissance (1910)

  • Aimed to address the disparity between the rich and the poor.
  • Artists revived interest in folk arts, leading to exhibitions in museums.

Folk Art

  • Encompasses both practical and decorative objects.
  • Evolving traditions prominent in various crafts and influenced by indigenous and Spanish techniques.
  • Made by individuals or families in villages; now a livelihood for 8% of the Mexican population.

Masks

  • Integral to traditional festivals and rituals; used in dances and representations.
  • Materials: wood, leather, papier-mâché, and clay.
  • Each mask often has a specific meaning or story.

Pottery

  • One of the oldest forms of Mexican folk art; hand-made pottery is fundamental to daily life.
  • Techniques: earthenware firing, use of mineral glazes introduced by the Spanish.
  • Common pottery styles vary by region, with specific villages renowned for particular types.

Laquerware

  • Made by applying shiny coatings to wood/gourd.
  • Different techniques include inlaid, carved, and painted styles.
  • Popular for decorative items such as trays and boxes.

Clothing and Textiles

  • Weaving traditions blend Indian and Spanish designs, utilizing fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, and agave.
  • Common garments include huipils, quechquémitls, sarapes, and shawls.
  • The textiles reflect both social status and regional identities.

Baskets, Gourds, and Glass

  • Basketry is an ancient craft; gourds used as containers or decorative items.
  • Glass, introduced by the Spanish, became a common craft in regions like Puebla and Jalisco.

Toys and Miniatures

  • Toys crafted from diverse materials; serve both play and ceremonial purposes.
  • Miniatures often replicate everyday objects and are made for both children and collectors.

Paper Arts

  • Traditional uses include bark paper for recording history and crafting dolls.
  • Popular forms: papel picado (cut paper decorations), papel maché for piñatas and carnival figures.

Tin and Copper

  • Tin introduced by the Spanish; crafted into utensils and decorations.
  • Copper work, a specialty of Tarascan Indians, includes plates, candles, and artistic items.

Art of the Huichol

  • Modeled around spiritual beliefs and traditions; notable for yarn paintings and bead-decorated gourd bowls.
  • Huichol art often produced for commerce while maintaining cultural significance.

Oaxacan Woodcarving

  • Uses copal wood for creating vibrant and imaginative figures; generally a family enterprise.

Fireworks

  • Prominent in celebrations; castillo is a complex fireworks structure illustrating craftsmanship.

Food and Its Art

  • Food preparation involves handcrafted kitchenware; traditional staples are corn, beans, and chocolate.
  • Chocolate historically esteemed, served during rituals and celebrations.

Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)

  • A significant holiday honoring deceased loved ones; involves altars adorned with gifts, food, and decorations.
  • Special culinary treats include pan de muerto and sugar skulls.

Vocabulary

  • Milagro: Miracle items used in prayers; small tokens of thanks for granted favors.
  • Hieroglyphic Writing: Writing using pictorial symbols.
  • Votive Gourds: Symbolic offerings made to deities in Huichol culture.

Review Questions Summary

  • Explore themes from major historical events, cultural practices, and various forms of folk art highlighted throughout the text.
  • Comparison of pre-Hispanic and post-conquest artistic expressions.
  • Understanding the evolving nature of folk art in response to cultural influences.