01 Sep 2014 Etched Clay Pots from Mexico

Pottery making is by far the most popular folk art form in Mexico today with deep roots in the history and culture of this Central American nation. Archaeologists have found coarse pottery shards in Central Mexico, dating from as far back as 2300 B.C. The current international craze for handicraft art has inspired even more variations in clay from Mexican potters, using methods both ancient and modern, associated with specific regions or family workshops.

Hand Etched Pottery from Mexico

Among Mexican potteries, the etched pottery of Navajo is the most recent and most popular form to emerge. The talented potters and sculptors of Navajo, Mexico create etched pottery that is adored by people around the world. Each piece is produced and cut by hand and baked in a fire of thick black smoke to produce the unique color. The clay is first soaked and strained before it can be worked. It is then coiled into shape. While it is drying, designs may be hand etched with the help of knife into the clay. Once the designs have been etched in to the pot, the pottery is then left in a dark room to slowly dry before firing.

Hand Crafted Pot from Mexico

Meticulous care and patience are put into each clay piece. The etched vases and pots of Mexico are purely decorative and cannot hold water or food. The etched potteries of Mexico are etched and painted by hand on fine symbolic and geometric designs to create a unique and beautiful style of Navajo pottery. Some potters have taken this technique to outrageously artistic and detailed levels creating true masterpieces in etched pottery art.

Hand Etched and Hand Painted Mexican Clay Pot

This kind of ceramic pottery is beautiful and collectible. All pottery pieces are completely hand painted and unique. The varied styles and designs of the hand etched Mexican pottery are a true masterpiece of the artist. The polished, almost glass-like surface and the intricate carving make these etched potteries of Mexico a treasure to display.

By: Pushpita, a freelance writer on world handicrafts and lifestyle. Pushpita holds a Masters in English literature and is a rich media professional.