The typical crafts of Yucatán are made up of a great variety of articles made with different materials, colors and designs. Most of the time the pieces are handmade, so they are original and unique.
The crafts are made by the same people in the area, the Yucatecans. Those who do these jobs are recognized as artisans.
The uses of these objects are varied: they can be used in the domestic or decorative sphere.
In Yucatan there is a great artisan talent that has lasted from pre-Hispanic times to the present.
This talent stands out not only for its neat production, but also for its genuine and colorful design.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Yucatan or its archaeological sites.
The 5 typical crafts
1- Pottery
Pottery in Yucatán begins to develop at the beginning of the Mayan culture, approximately in 1200 a. C.
Its execution is by means of the direct modeling of the clay, using the hands to create the shapes that the craftsman wishes.
The clay or "sac-cab" (white earth) is placed on a rectangular table that rotates thanks to a disc that is controlled by the feet. As it turns, it becomes more comfortable for the craftsman to create each piece.
Once the pieces are in the desired shape, they are left to dry, polished and then painted to be placed in a clay oven.
Everyday objects are usually made for cooking or for storing water, as well as flowerpots, vases, among others.
2- Embroidery
Specifically in Yucatan there are remains of textiles embroidered with drawings of flowers and stars, which prove the existence of embroidery since pre-Hispanic times.
At present, Yucatecan artisans usually implement two techniques called the "xmanikté" or frayed, and the "xkbil-chuy" or counted thread.
Both are considered artistic techniques that are usually achieved in rugs, blankets, blouses, dresses, mantillas and headdresses.
3- Hammocks
Yucatan hammocks are usually made with a fine thread of henequen, which is a species of the agave plant. She also has very fine rows of cotton or linen.
Its elaboration is quite complicated. So much so that the technique to make it is usually passed down from generation to generation.
4- Goldsmith
Handicrafts such as silverware, carving and sculpture have been perfected over time, thanks to expert sculptors and decorators.
In Yucatán, jewelry made with tiny silver and gold filaments is appreciated.
The region has gained fame thanks to the manufacture of necklaces, rosaries, earrings, chains and other precious objects.
5- Saddlery
Saddlery is the manufacture of objects made from animal skin or leather.
The pre-Hispanic culture in Yucatan already made articles made from animal skins.
This activity had a greater impact with the arrival of the Spanish, when they brought other kinds of animals and used their skins to create other objects. This resulted in the craft developing further.
Thanks to saddlery, it has been possible to manufacture handbags, briefcases, wallets, belts, cases, shoes, purses, among other elements.
Reference
- De la Torre, Francisco. (1994). Mexican folk art. Mexico: Trillas.
- Morales, Carmen. (1992). Five handicrafts from eastern Yucatan. Mérida: CULTURE-Government of the State. From Yucatan.
- Rasmussen, Christian and Terán, Silvia. (2013). Yucatan Crafts. Merida: Dante.
- Teran, Silvia. (nineteen eighty one). Yucatan handicrafts. Mérida: PESIP-Art and Communication-General Directorate of Popular Cultures-SEP.
- Turok, Marta. (1988). How to approach crafts. Mexico: SEP. Plaza and Valdés.