How Are Oaxacan Art Patterns Created?

Mexican Art Pattern

The largest group of indigenous Indians in the Western Hemisphere live in Oaxacan villages situated among mountain ranges in Mexico. The artists who create Oaxacan art patterns are descendants of the Zapotec and Mixtec tribes. Each village boasts a unique vision of artistic patterns. Because the people of Oaxaca were separated by the vast mountainous terrain, communication between the villages was limited, therefore many languages, customs and unique ideas developed. Fifty-two dialects in eight languages are spoken. Regardless of the Spanish influence, the Spanish language is considered a second language for those Indians who speak it.

Significance

Mexican Art

Enduring influences from ancient people inspire the Oaxacan artists to create their art patterns. Each pattern is unique to each village. Families often share in the creation of art work. A harmonious existence with the world around them help shape and create their individual works.

Why Oaxacan art patterns were created

Mexican Art Patterns

Many diverse styles have emerged. The need for this art form arose because the Oaxacan artists, mainly poor, agricultural workers, needed a way to supplement their income. Tourism helped Oaxacan art patterns become popular collectors items.

Wood Carvings

Mexican Wood Carving

While the Indians of Oaxaca create everything from pottery to weavings, the Oaxacan wood carvings demand attention. Made from the copal tree, naturally gnarled wood forms are selected by the artist. The wood of the copal tree is soft and flexible. Only the female copal tree is used to carve the creations. Pieces may be sorted as individual, one-piece sculptures or nailed together to form arms, legs and other appendages.

Symbolism

Figurines celebrated good fortune

Symbolism is represented in the use of the copal tree. In ancient times, the resins from this tree were used for incense that protected from evil spirits and misfortune.
Figurines called Alebrijes, or monsters, are created to scare away evil doers. Animalitos or animal figurines are considered good luck.

Technique

Tools

After the outer shell of the tree is removed, a rough draft of the finished products is created with machetes while still wet. Artists chisel away the wood using smaller knives as more detail is needed. Fine detail may be made with kitchen knives, mallets or other sharp items.

Once finished, the artwork is set out into the sun to dry. Drying time depends on the size of the sculpture. Some artists prefer drying their work under a tree promoting a more natural drying process.

The wood of the copal tree cracks when drying, so sanding is vital to the process. Not only does sanding repair cracks, but adds to the artist's creative vision of the piece. The amount of time spent on sanding varies. When sanding is complete, the Oaxacan artwork is coated with gasoline or other insect repelling substances. Freezing the dried figurines can also assist with insect issues.
Wood dust with white glue or putty is mixed to fix any flaws. A base coat of paint is then applied to the wood.

Painting

Patterns are unique

Painting is as individual as the artists themselves. Each village determines the style of the painted figures. Each family possesses a unique style of painting, however, most figures share embellishments of bright paints. Some artists use fine lines and dots, while others have a more uniform geometric approach. Some artists use only certain colors or patterns. Details vary from artist to artist.
The spirit of the patterns expressively flow from the creators and reflect the artist's surrounding world and cultural emotion.

References

• Oaxacan Wood Carving
• Oaxaca Fine Carvings
• Oaxacan Culture

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• More Information