Mexican Pottery Information

Pottery is a product made of wet clay that is hardened by baking or firing. Earthenware, stoneware and porcelain are the three major types of pottery. Much of Mexican pottery is created using the earthenware method, which requires the pottery to be fired or baked at a lower temperature. Several types of Mexican pottery have originated in different geological regions and periods in Mexico's history.

History

Arrival of the Spaniards resulted in one of the most popular ceramic styles. map image by Sergey Kamshylin from Fotolia.com

Ceramics became a predominant part of the Mexican culture around 1500 B.C. during the time of the Olmec culture. As the various cultures of the Olmecs, Aztecs, Mixtecs and Casa Grandes learned and experimented with pottery, they developed their own unique styles and characteristics. The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century brought new pottery techniques that were eventually combined to form one of Mexican earthernware's most famous styles, Majolica, also known as the Talavera style.

Types

Mexican pottery is fired in a kiln at a variety of temperatures. ceramics vase image by JoLin from Fotolia.com

Mexican pottery comes in several varieties but there are a few main types: Mata Ortiz, Casa Grandes, Talavera and Oaxacan pottery. Mata Ortiz pottery is created using a very traditional method of coiling the clay to create a pot or other piece. Casa Grandes pottery started about 1,000 years ago in the northern region of Mexico. This type of pottery has evolved over the years to focus mostly on patterns with birds and leaves. Talavera, or Majolica, pottery is by far the most popular form of Mexican pottery. Created using two separate firings, the pottery is first glazed with tin and fired, then followed by a lead glaze and fired again. Oaxacan ceramics are usually black due to the black clay found in the city of Oaxaca.

Features

Pottery designs change with the region. large vase image by William Berry from Fotolia.com

The ceramics of Mexico have varied features depending on the type of pottery and the region where it originated. Talaveras and Oaxacan potteries are known for their shiny exterior, colorful patterns and carved designs. Casa Grandes and Mata Ortiz are known for the rounded bottom of the pottery pieces, thinner walls and unique designs. Some Mexican pottery is created from red or black clay, influencing the predominant look of the pieces created.

Function

Colorfully designed dinnerware adds to the dining experience. colorful plate image by Dumitrescu Ciprian from Fotolia.com

Used both functionally and as a part of home decor, Mexican pottery is versatile. It's used every day or for special occasions in the kitchen and adds color and design in rooms throughout the home. Urns are used to hold floral and natural arrangements. Tiles are hung as decoration or used to spruce up a counter. Mexican ceramics are collectibles sought after at markets and businesses specializing in cultural pottery pieces.

Size

Mexican pottery comes in a variety of sizes. mexican bowl image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com

From small cups to tall vases, Mexican pottery comes in all different sizes. Tall floor bottles and vases can measure 6 feet tall or higher. A small chicken-shaped casserole dish from the 1940s measures 5 3/4 inches tall. Heights, lengths and widths of unique, collectible or decorative pottery pieces made by artisans are determined by the artist creating them and the type of pottery being created. Common, everyday pottery is made in different shapes and sizes.

References

• 2Explore: Basics of Pottery
• Mexican Ceramics: History of Mexican Pottery
• Ceramics Directory: Types of Mexican Pottery

Resources

• Western Passion: Mexican Pottery
• Circa 1940s Casserole Dish
• Hearts Museum At Berkely: Mexican Folk Art