BARRO NEGRO
Barro negro is a natural clay from Oaxaca, created by artisans in San Bartolo Coyotepec using an ancient technique dating back to Zapotec times. The process involves hand-shaping the clay, drying it in isolated rooms, and firing it in underground kilns. The fire and smoke transform the clay, giving it its characteristic deep black color and smooth sheen. Each piece carries the imprint of the artisans’ hands, a legacy passed down through generations.
EARTH CLAY
Each piece carries the mark of time, a legacy passed from ancestors to descendants
OAXACA
Known for preserving and revitalizing its ancestral crafts, and black clay pottery is one of its most iconic expressions.
CONTEXT
For centuries, it has been crafted in San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca, where around 95% of the population is dedicated to this tradition.
ANFORA
Traditionally, it has been used to create cookware, water jugs, and decorative pieces. Its porous nature once made it ideal for keeping liquids cool
Origins
Barro negro dates back to Zapotec times, with remnants found from the Monte Albán period. It has been crafted for generations in San Bartolo Coyotepec, where nearly 95% of the population is dedicated to this tradition. The firing process with fire and smoke gives the clay its distinctive color and sheen.
Culture and Significance
Oaxaca is renowned for preserving its ancestral crafts, with barro negro being one of the most iconic. Historically used for cookware and water jugs, it represents the deep connection between the Oaxacan people and their heritage.
Crafting Process
The process begins by mixing natural earth with water to create clay, which is then hand- shaped or poured into molds. After drying, the clay is polished with natural oils and fired in underground kilns at temperatures between 700°C and 800°C, resulting in its unique black color and sheen. The entire process takes 20 to 30 days, ensuring the quality of the material.
Traditional Uses
Barro negro was traditionally used for cookware, water jugs, and decorative items, benefiting from its porous nature, which kept liquids cool, and its elegant sheen, which makes it a sought-after material for artistic objects.
