Some of the world’s most distinctive pottery is created in San Juan de Oriente, a small village nestled among volcanos, alongside a picturesque lagoon. In a typical village scene you are likely to see ox carts delivering clay and other materials to the various workshops. The clay is “thrown” on a kick wheel to form the shape. Afterward, they are painted using mineral oxides and then meticulously carved, sgraffito style, using home made tools typically fashioned from the spokes of a bicycle wheel. Once the decorative incisions are complete, the pot is baked in a wood-burning kiln, constructed from adobe bricks in a traditional bee hive configuration, where it is finally removed and polished.

In this section we will be featuring various video vignettes and other informational resources regarding our artisans and the art they produce. Follow us on Facebook to stay informed about our latest postings.