Oaxaca has diversity of clays, one of them mentioned in the last post the black clay, in Oaxaca there is also green and red, the red clay is done in San Marcos Tlapazola, in this post I tell you about it.
The red clay is not the only one in Oaxaca like black and green, but still this clay gives diversity to the clays and handcrafts of the state.
WHERE AND HOW IS MADE?
In Oaxaca the red clay is made in San Marcos Tlapazola where near to the arrival of the Guelaguetza a fair is done.
The artisans start going to the mountains to extract red clay, for that they need government permissions.
When they arrive to the place where they do the figures, the artisans work it with water to purify it, then it is mixed with sand and stir it by hand, when it´s finished they knead to get it very manageable.
The next step is to do the figure, the lathe is operated only with the feet and the clay rotates in hand turned wheels. To finish it the artisans use a jicara to remove the excess.
The brightness that could have it is obtained by polishing it 3 times.
When all is ready it is put in the shade so it gets dry and then in the sun, and like that doesn´t gets broken in the oven.
WHAT IS DONE WITH RED CLAY?
The red clay is the most widely used to make vases, cups and plates and also ornamental and art figures are done.
IN WHAT OTHER STATES RED CLAY IS MADE?
El barro rojo no es único de Oaxaca, también se elabora en Morelos, Veracruz, Estado de México e Hidalgo.
Red clay is not unique from Oaxaca, it is also made in Morelos, Veracruz, Mexico State and Hidalgo.
WHERE TO SEE AND BUY RED CLAY?
As I mentioned the red clay is made in San Marcos Tlapazola where you can buy red clay, but also in handcrafts stores you can see it and buy it.
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SOURCE: Animal Gourmet, Hotel Victoria Oaxaca.
