Mexican crafts – A world of color

Mexico and its handicrafts around the world: With a wide variety of objects made by hand, also known as folk art represents a form of expression and income for many families in the different communities of our country; also struggling to reclaim their identity through their artistic creations. Handicrafts in Mexico are characteristic of each region and are regularly made with natural materials such as wood, clay, fabrics, seeds, stones and metals. Between the mixture of techniques, tools, traditions, materials and style, the number of forms and types of handicrafts is very large. Mexican artisans have made use of the natural resources of their region to create their designs, which are currently present in various parts of the world. Internationally, Mexican handicrafts are highly recognized and valued as products that manifest the cultural diversity of a society, which has allowed the sector to become an attractive market with growth potential.

Mexican Handicrafts

It is shown that the main destinations where Mexican handicrafts are appreciated are Australia, Germany, Canada, Colombia, Spain, United States and Italy, but there are many more places where they are highly appreciated. Among the main handicrafts are the polychrome clay trees of life, Huichol art with beads, finely carved and hand-painted alebrijes, objects made with aluminum (pewter), wool woven rugs, wood carvings with aromatic elements such as those made in Olinala, silver, onyx, clay, wood and ceramics, as well as handmade fabrics, are the ones that have the greatest participation in the taste of buyers.

Mexico has 62 ethnic groups and each one of them has its own folk art characteristics, which represent the different states. The origin of Mexican handicrafts comes from rural areas, thanks to the fact that artisans have used the natural resources of their region, such as clay, wood, textiles, talavera, copper, among others to create their designs. 

The Mexican handicrafts trade is privileged, due to its traditional textures and patterns that have been well received in national and international tourist areas. In order to promote the work of artisans in Mexico, as well as to contribute to the generation of a greater diffusion, initiatives such as Artesanía de México have been created to promote Mexican handicrafts from different parts of Mexico.

The export of Mexican handicrafts in various international markets helps to strengthen the economy of artisans. Although there are still several limitations for the export of Mexican handicrafts, ranging from logistics, the quality of the products, as well as foreign trade tariff restrictions, the goods manufactured by Mexican hands represent a valuable contribution in international markets.

Mexican craftsmanship generates diverse sources of employment and income for artisans living in rural areas.