Some of the typical handicrafts of Guerrero are lacquers and goldsmith pieces, basketry pieces, ceramics and wood.
In the seventh century, the Mexican culture contributed sculpture and ceramics. Then the Aztecs incorporate the work of gold. For their part, the Spanish brought techniques, styles, and artifacts that were added to indigenous crafts.
The activity provides a large part of the state's revenue. In 1988 an agency was established to preserve the culture of Guerrero, including its handicrafts.
Today as in the past, natural materials are used; palm, tule fabric, shingle, precious woods, tin, paper, wax, corn husks, pumpkin bules, clay, metals.
Types of crafts
Lacquers
Since the pre-Hispanic period, lacquering on dried fruits, pumpkin bowls or linaloé wood has been worked in the mountainous region, from which a delicate aroma emanated.
Chia oil and the waxy substance of an insect larva were used; nowadays such oil is used, mixed with mineral or vegetable pigments.
Most of Guerrero's lacquering is distinguished by the use of the "scratching" technique for decoration, although pieces are also made with inlays, or painted by hand with a brush, whose motifs are birds, flowers or real or imaginary animals.
2 - Goldsmith
Also from pre-Hispanic times. The ancients obtained their gold from the land, from rivers or from subjugated peoples. They also dominated various alloys known as "married metals".
Today the most notable works are silver jewels produced in Taxco, an activity recognized by the state as a tourist attraction, just like the National Silver Fair.
Gold, transformed into objects of colonial design, is worked in Iguala, Ciudad Altamirano, Cocuya and Arcelia.
With iron and steel, machetes are produced in Ayutla, Tixtla, Chilapa, Cualac. Tin objects are made in Tlacotepec, Tlalchipa and Cuetzala del Progreso.
3 - Basketry
Another colonial heritage. They are objects made with great grace, beauty and striking colors.
Sometimes they are toys, fabrics incorporated into furniture, waterproof layers, baskets, fans, mats, rugs to cover the floors of houses, and so on.
In some regions, fine hats are made, such as in San Luis Acatlán or Tlapehuala, known as the birthplace of the Caleno hat, a hallmark of the people of Guerrero.
Because the raw material is abundant, it is one of the most ubiquitous crafts in the state.
In addition to palm leaves, cane and corn leaves are used.
4 - Ceramic
It is one of the oldest crafts and one of the most practiced. They are items such as water coolers, plates, bowls, candlesticks, and so on.
The techniques remain mostly indigenous, including the practice of mixing cotton fiber into the clay for added strength.
The best works come from the central region, where the pieces are often painted with colors.
In Chilapa the potters deal with glazed ceramics with geographic themes and in Acatlán with toys and figures. Those of Ometepec are characterized by their unglazed pitchers, with white lines and floral motifs.
5 - Wood
Furniture, carts, toys, boats, houses, paper are made. Masks, figures and toy instruments made in Paraíso and Tetipac are also made.
The best quality ones come from Chilpancingo, Iguala, Teloloapan and Ciudad Altamirano.
Some areas produce colonial furniture, such as Taxco and Ixcateopan. They can have leather or palm accessories and include pieces made of fine cedar woods.
In palm leaf producing communities, carpenters make boxes and other items to be lacquered. The Olinalá box is internationally famous.
References
- Handcrafts of Guerrero Extracted from en.wikipedia.org
- Encyclopedia of the municipalities and delegations of Mexico. Warrior status. Extracted from inafed.gob
- Handicrafts. Extracted from encyclopediagro.org
- Crafts from the state of Guerrero. Extracted from mexico-nostalgia.net
- Warrior crafts. Extracted from guerrero.gob.mx