Mexico Site
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Cantera a Stone of the Past and Present
Cantera is a quarried stone found exclusively in western central and central Mexico. Many of the country's Spanish colonial cities were constructed with cantera, mostly of the pink variety. Today, this attractive, lightweight, strong, porous, and malleable material is utilized in many creative ways

Fantastical Whimsical Oaxacan Alebrijes
The state of Oaxaca is well known for its indigenous handicrafts such as black pottery, jade-green glazed ceramics, basketry, and woven textiles. Perhaps the most outstanding of that state's crafts are the fantastical, amazingly patterned, and flamboyantly painted "creatures" called alebrijes.

How to Create Your Own Mexican Folk Art Museum
Throughout its 31 states, Federal District, and 9 regions, Mexico abounds in artifacts, arts and crafts, rocks and minerals, traditional household items, and sundry other collectables. Here is one individuals description of how he created his own version of a "Mexican museum."

Natural Weavings of Teotitlan del Valle
The intricately patterned and intensely colored taperes/woven wool rugs of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca are reputed to be the finest in Mexico. While on a birding, natural history and cultural tour our group visited the home and workshop of master weaver and artist Francisco Martinez and family.

Rebozos a Wearable Utilitarian Folk Art
Worn by women of all social classes in Mexico, rebozos are more than just colorful woven rectangular garments. They have been called the "indigenous folk art of Mexico" and also referred to as "wearable art." Unfortunately, in many places in Mexico, it is a craft that is in danger of extinction.

Sombreros
The broad brimmed and high round crowned sombrero, oftentimes intricately embroidered, patterned, and decorated, has become a national and cultural symbol of Mexico. However, would it surprise you to find out that in Mexico a "sombrero" is any style of hat that has a brim?

Tonala the Unadorned Handicrafts Mecca
Two of Guadalajara's nearby suburbs are nationally and internationally famous for their handicrafts, the upscale, quaint, and charming Tlaquepaque and the physically nondescript and drab Tonala. However, of these two artisan centers, only Tonala could be described as a "mecca" for handicrafts.