Handcraft, Shopping and Souvenirs to bring back from Mexico

Iconic Mexican Handcrafts by Region

Textiles & Weavings

• Zapotec Rugs (Oaxaca): These are hand-woven wool rugs, distinguished by their use of natural dyes derived from plants and insects like cochineal. The designs often feature traditional Zapotec geometric patterns and symbols, each carrying specific meanings related to the natural and spiritual world. They are a centerpiece of Oaxacan craft.

• Sarapes (Saltillo): The sarape is an iconic Mexican blanket, recognizable by its striped patterns and vibrant colors, often with a central diamond motif. Originating in the region of Saltillo, it has become a symbol of Mexican identity, traditionally worn by horsemen but now a popular decorative item.

• Huipiles (Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatán): A huipil is a traditional tunic worn by indigenous women. Each community has its own distinct style of embroidery or brocade, making the garment a form of visual language that can communicate the wearer’s village, marital status, and beliefs. They are beautiful, wearable pieces of cultural heritage.

• Rebozos (Throughout Mexico): More than just a shawl, the rebozo is a multipurpose garment used for warmth, as a head covering, or to carry babies and goods. Many are woven on traditional backstrap looms, and some feature an intricate dyeing technique known as ikat, which creates a signature blurred pattern.

Pottery & Ceramics

• Talavera (Puebla): This is a specific type of tin-glazed earthenware, primarily produced in Puebla. Known for its milky-white glaze and intricate designs, often in cobalt blue, authentic Talavera is made from local clays and adheres to a strict, centuries-old process. Look for official certification marks and the artist’s signature to ensure authenticity.

• Barro Negro (Oaxaca): Hailing from San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca, this black clay pottery is famous for its unique metallic sheen. This finish is not a glaze but is achieved by polishing the piece and using a special firing technique that reduces oxygen in the kiln. The result is both decorative and elegant.

• Trees of Life (Metepec): These are elaborate, colorful clay sculptures that traditionally depicted biblical scenes, such as the story of Adam and Eve. Today, artisans also craft them to represent everyday life, folk tales, or Day of the Dead themes. Each one is a complex and whimsical narrative piece.

• Mata Ortiz Pottery (Chihuahua): Reviving the traditions of the ancient Paquimé culture, Mata Ortiz pottery is known for its incredible precision. The pots are hand-coiled without a potter’s wheel and painted with intricate geometric and figurative designs using fine brushes made from human hair.

Folk Art & Decorative Items

• Alebrijes (Oaxaca): These are fantastical sculptures of mythical creatures, carved from the soft wood of the copal tree. Each alebrije is a one-of-a-kind creation, brought to life with exceptionally detailed and vibrant painting. They originated from an artist’s fever dream and represent the imaginative spirit of Mexican folk art.

• Huichol (Wixárika) Bead & Yarn Art (Jalisco, Nayarit): Created by the Huichol people, this art form is deeply spiritual. Artisans press tiny glass beads or yarn into a surface of wax and resin, creating intricate designs that often depict shamanic visions, deities, and sacred symbols from their cosmology.

• Hojalata (Tin Art) (Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende): A folk art tradition since the 16th century, hojalata involves cutting, punching, and embossing sheets of tin to create a variety of decorative items. You will find everything from mirrors and Christmas ornaments to intricate frames and religious icons, all with a brilliant, rustic shine.

• Papel Picado (Puebla): These are delicate paper banners, chiseled by hand with intricate designs. Stacks of colored tissue paper are cut with sharp tools to create elaborate patterns. Papel picado is not just decoration; it is an essential element of Mexican celebrations, from national holidays to private parties and Day of the Dead altars.

Wearable & Personal Items

• Silver Jewelry (Taxco): The town of Taxco is world-renowned for its silver mines and exceptional silversmiths. Here you can find high-quality jewelry ranging from classic designs to bold, modernist pieces. To ensure you are buying sterling silver, look for the .925 stamp, which indicates 92.5% pure silver.

• Huaraches (Throughout Mexico): These are traditional woven leather sandals that have been worn in Mexico for centuries. Designs vary by region, from simple, functional styles to more complex and fashionable patterns. They are durable, comfortable, and mold to your feet over time.

• Sombreros (Throughout Mexico): The sombrero is more than a souvenir. It is important to differentiate between the large, often overly decorated tourist versions and the authentic, functional hats worn for protection from the sun. A well-made sombrero is a practical and culturally significant item, with styles varying by region and use.

• Amber (Chiapas): The state of Chiapas is a source of high-quality amber, a fossilized tree resin. Mexican amber is known for its clarity and range of colors, from pale yellow to deep red. It is often found with fossilized plant and insect inclusions, making each piece a unique window into the past.

Where to Shop: From Markets to Boutiques

Artisan Markets (Mercados de Artesanías)

• Pros: You will find a vast selection of goods from various regions in one place. The atmosphere is vibrant, and you have the opportunity to interact directly with vendors, some of whom may be the artisans themselves.

• Cons: The quality of items can be inconsistent, and distinguishing between handmade and mass-produced goods requires a discerning eye. Bargaining is generally expected, which may be unfamiliar to some travelers.

• Key Examples: La Ciudadela in Mexico City, Mercado 28 in Cancún, and the Mercado de Artesanías in Oaxaca are excellent starting points.

• Tip: Visit early in the morning. You will encounter fewer crowds and may find vendors are more receptive to making a deal for their first sale of the day.

Government-Run & Cooperative Shops (FONART)

• Pros: These shops offer authenticated, high-quality crafts with fixed, fair prices. A significant portion of the profits goes directly to the artisan communities, ensuring your purchase provides sustainable support.

• Cons: The selection may be smaller and less varied than in a large market. The fixed-price model means there is no opportunity for bargaining.

• How to Find Them: Look for stores branded with “FONART” (Fondo Nacional para el Fomento de las Artesanías) in the historic centers of most major cities.

High-End Boutiques & Galleries

• Pros: These establishments feature carefully curated collections of contemporary and museum-quality pieces. The items are often signed by renowned artists, and the staff can provide detailed information about their origin and significance.

• Cons: Prices are significantly higher to reflect the quality and artistry of the pieces.

• Best For: Serious collectors, design enthusiasts, and anyone seeking modern interpretations of traditional Mexican crafts.

Direct from the Artisan (Workshops & Villages)

• Pros: This is the most authentic shopping experience. It guarantees your money goes directly to the creator, and you gain a deeper appreciation for the skill involved. You may also have the opportunity to request a custom piece.

• Cons: This option requires more travel time and planning. You may also encounter language barriers if you do not speak Spanish.

• How to Arrange: For ethical and respectful workshop visits, we recommend checking with your local guide or our tour operating staff. We can often help facilitate connections with reputable artisans and cooperatives.

Smart Shopping: Haggling, Quality, and Payments

The Art of Bargaining (Regateo)

• Where it’s appropriate: Bargaining is a normal and expected part of the exchange in artisan markets and with independent street vendors.

• Where it’s NOT appropriate: Do not attempt to bargain in established, fixed-price stores such as FONART shops, high-end boutiques, art galleries, or convenience stores.

• How to Haggle Politely:

  • Always begin the interaction with a friendly greeting, such as `Buenos días` or `Buenas tardes`.
  • Never start with an insultingly low offer. A reasonable first counteroffer is typically 15-25% below the asking price.
  • Maintain a positive and respectful attitude. If you cannot agree on a price, be prepared to walk away with a smile and a `Gracias`.
  • Purchasing multiple items from a single vendor will give you greater leverage for a discount.

Spotting Quality & Authenticity

• Textiles: Examine the weave for tightness and consistency. In hand-dyed pieces, subtle variations in color are a sign of natural dyes, not a flaw. Ask if the colors are fast; a simple rub with a damp cloth can sometimes test this.

• Silver: Authentic sterling silver from Mexico should be marked with a “.925” stamp. Be wary of items stamped only with “Mexico” or “Alpaca,” as the latter is a different, less valuable metal alloy.

• Talavera: True Talavera from Puebla is made from specific local clays and will feel substantial. Authentic pieces should have a certificate and bear the signature or mark of the workshop (taller) on the bottom.

• Alebrijes: Higher-quality alebrijes are carved from a single piece of copal wood. Check for fine, detailed brushwork in the painting. The piece should be signed by the artist or family workshop.

Payment & Logistics

• Cash is King: In markets and smaller villages, most vendors only accept cash. It is essential to carry Mexican Pesos (MXN), especially in small denominations, as vendors may not have change for large bills.

• Credit Cards: Major credit cards are widely accepted in established shops, galleries, and FONART stores. Be sure