Escultura Barro Negro Tepachero

Surely you have heard of the black clay from San Bartolo Coyotepec, I will tell you a little about the process.

To make the tepachero-style black clay sculpture requires enormous skill on the part of the artisan. First the clay is kneaded until it is smooth and then it is molded into the shape that the piece will take. Once molded, it dries in the sunlight for four days, after which if no cutting is necessary, if the piece is shiny and if there are no stains, the work is considered complete. In case the piece needs a cut, this is done by hand, since it is a very precise job. The brilliant effect is achieved by polishing the piece also by hand with quartz crystals. After being scraped, it is left to dry in the sun for other days. After this time, the piece is placed in the wood-fired oven for a day. It is during this process that the black ceramic acquires its distinctive color. This is a unique way to acquire that black coloration, and it is only done in San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca.

The existence of Black Clay dates back thousands of years since pre-Hispanic times it was used to make pieces such as vases, plates and jugs. In addition, its use went beyond the utilitarian, since it kept a ritual and sacred sense. In some ceremonies it was offered to the gods or to the emperors as a divine gift.