por Some of the typical crafts of Guerrero are lacquerware and goldsmith’s pieces, basketry, ceramics and wood pieces. In the seventh century, the Mexcala culture contributed sculpture and ceramics. Then the Aztecs incorporated the work of gold. For their part, the Spanish brought techniques, styles and artifacts that were added to the indigenous crafts.
The activity provides much of the state’s revenue. In 1988 an agency was established to preserve the culture of Guerrero, including its crafts.
Today as in the past, natural materials are used; palm, tule fabric, tejamanil, precious woods, tin, paper, wax, corn leaves, gourd bules, clay, metals.
Main crafts of Guerrero
1- Lacquers
Since the pre-Hispanic period, lacquerware has been worked in the mountainous region on nuts, gourd bowls or linaloe wood, from which a delicate aroma emanated.
Chia oil and the waxy substance of an insect larva were used; Today such oil is used, mixed with mineral or vegetable pigments.
Most of Guerrero’s lacquer is distinguished by the use of the «scratched» technique for decoration, although inlaid pieces are also made, or hand-painted with a brush, whose motifs are birds, flowers, or real or imaginary animals.
2 – Goldsmithing
Also from pre-Hispanic times. The ancients obtained gold from the earth, from the rivers or from the subjected peoples. They also dominated various alloys known as «married metals».
Today the most notable works are silver jewelry 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, petates, rugs to cover the floors of houses, etc.
In some regions, fine hats are made, such as in San Luis Acatlán or Tlapehuala, known as the cradle of the calentano hat, a characteristic 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 like water coolers, plates, bowls, candle holders, etc.
The techniques remain mostly indigenous, including the practice of mixing cotton fiber into the clay to give it added strength.
The best works come from the central region, where the pieces are often painted with colors.
In Chilapa, the potters deal with geographical themes with glazed ceramics 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. They also make masks, figures and toy instruments made in Paraíso and Tetipac
The best quality comes 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 wood.
In communities that produce palm leaves, carpenters make boxes and other elements to be lacquered. The Olinalá box is internationally famous.
6 – Painting
The painting on amate paper is one of the most recognized in Guerrero. Where it has had the most roots is in municipalities inhabited by Nahuas, such as Maxela, San Agustín de las Flores or Ameyaltepec.
They are paintings in sepia tones also loaded with color. They follow a pre-Hispanic pattern, which is very attractive for tourists. Although, in general, the motifs of the drawing are animals or plants, it is already possible to find it of almost anything.
References
Handcrafts of Guerrero Extracted from en.wikipedia.org
Encyclopedia of the municipalities and delegations of Mexico. Warrior status. Extracted from inafed.gob
Handicrafts. Taken from encyclopediagro.org
Crafts from the state of Guerrero. Taken from mexico-nostalgia.net
Guerrero Crafts. Extracted from guerrero.gob.mx