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.