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Folk
Art of Guerrero is rich in metallic minerals including gold, silver, and copper. In November 2000, a team of archaeologists led by Professor Dorothy Hosler from the Center for Materials Research in Archaeology and Ethnology (CMRAE) at MIT, began excavation of a pre-Columbian site in the remote mountains of northern Guerrero, Mexico. This site is possibly the first pre-Columbian metal smelting site ever found in Mesoamerica. Of particular interest is metallurgy, a technology rare enough to only have been invented two or three times in human history (once in the Americas). These handmade folkart offerings from Guerrero are very difficult to find and are true folk art collector's items. They come from high in the mountains where the roads are almost impassible. For those of you unfamiliar with Guerrero folk art, much of the appeal is found in the crudeness and blemishes that only enhance the uniqueness of the piece. Much of the artesanias (handcrafts) of Mexico comes from Guererro. The people here are poor and find unusual ways to make art out of things we would throw away - old metal cans, seedpods from the Tabachin tree, etc. This Mexican art is some of the most unusual and whimsical and yet much of it is hard to find in stores or galleries. So, if you are shopping for an original, unique, handmade gift, perhaps some of these handcrafted items will be just what you are looking for. If the piece you want is not available, I will order for you but you may have to wait. All handcrafted pieces are one-of-a-kind so each will be slightly different one from the other. Delivery can take up to 2 months depending on availability. |
Dance Costumes Trajes de Bailables |
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Each traje (costume) will require approximately 5 feet of verticle wall space and approximately 3 feet horizontal. $250 each + shipping Click on the photos to see a larger version. |
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Today's indigenous
celebrations are a mixture of Christian and indigenous tradition. However,
Catholicism is preceded by the cultural traditions of the Indian towns
that go back in time much further than the religious and cultural conquest
by the Spaniards. Thus, the natives did not abandon their beliefs and
customs, but combined them with new ones giving rise to a new form of
expression that maintained their indigenous roots but also showed artistic,
moral and philosophic European influences. In any indigenous celebration,
the dance is the climax. The dancers dance out of ethnic pride and tradition
and to offer their friendship to both their fellow-countrymen and visitors.
Dances are performed for many reasons: as an important element in a
region's cultural identity, to cause rain, for good hunting, the triumph
in war, fertility, or to welcome the newborn. |
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Sirena (Mermaid) A few of the ancient ritual dances still survive, though often in modified form. Their purpose was, and is, to invoke sympathetic magic. Once everyone, men and women, kings and commoners, took part. Today, the elaborately costumed and staged dances, are almost exclusively done by men who usually dance female roles and women are allowed to perform only the purely festive folk dances. |
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Other trajes you can order (availability will vary - maximum time should be no more than 1 month):
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Copper Charms |
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| These old and very hard-to-find charms are made of copper, the oldest known metal. Copper amulets were worn by both Inca and Aztec warriors into battle, as they believed it increased their agility and skill. It is softer than silver and develops this beautiful blue-green patina as it ages. The cat charms are a great gift for the cat-lover. Protect your beloved feline by displaying this in your home, at your ofrenda (shrine) or near the kitty's dining area. Add a hanger and place on your Christmas tree or use them to create a unique piece of jewelry. Each charm has an "o" ring and can be used as in a necklace combined with beads or simply by itself on a leather thong. If you prefer the look of polished copper, rub the charm with copper polish and you can remove the bluish patina. |
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 Copper Cat Mask - paintedApprox. 4-1/2 to 6" $25 each |
Wood |
 Calaca
(Skeleton)$300 Handcarved by artisans in Guerrero, this lifesize skeleton can add a new dimension to your folk art collection and is a real eye-catcher. |
