Oaxacan Black Pottery

Oaxaca is distinguished in the Mexican Republic for the preservation of many pre-Hispanic traditions. Celebrations, rites, dances, but above all the art, makes for antique roots to be reflected in this contemporarily invaded culture. In this beautiful state, 6,000 towns of indigenous and mestizo traces, and 16 ethnic groups exist, accommodating more than 500,000 craftsmen, are supported in their artistic talent and imagination, while honoring traditional methods and techniques.

Pottery has been for a long time one of the more important art forms, serving a double purpose: to be use for everyday activities or simply decorative. In the latter, is where the world famous and valued black pottery has found its place.

Originating from the San Bartolo Coyotepec community located 8 km from the city of Oaxaca, passing the airport, black pottery is distinguished by its metallic black finish. The discovery of this art form is attributed to Doña Rosa Real de Nieto, who accidentally discovered that ceramics could be polished with quartz stones, resulting in a shiny and smooth texture. For this, Doña Rosa earned the recognition of Mexican and foreign artists and collectors, making her workshop the most important in Coyotepec. In 1980 she passed away, leaving her children with the closely guarded mysterious secret of the technique that they will continue to pass from generation to generation, not to be revealed to any stranger, to avoid competi...more info