The Tarahumaras make one of the best crafts in Mexico, the inspiration taken through nature and the manifestation of their beliefs, make their refined and striking handicrafts a work worth admiring. Through this article, we invite you to learn more about the Tarahumara handicrafts.
General Aspects of Tarahumara Crafts
In general, the manufacture of these handicrafts occurs when in the Tarahumara society the daily activities that require a greater effort are completed, in addition to being part of their livelihood, such as: planting, moving water, hunting or hunting. find beneficial plants for health.
The manufacture of these handicrafts is closely linked to ancestral customs and traditions; The inspiration for this is taken primarily from its natural environment in the Sierras de Tarahumara and its beliefs and experiences. That is why this activity linked primarily to the veneration of the sun, complements the daily needs and the different ceremonies that this culture executes, this is how each object has a defined role in their lives.
The elements that make up their crafts are very varied, among them we can see: woven baskets, ceramics with complex geometric designs, textiles, dolls, as well as musical instruments carved in wood. All of these are represented, with fine and subtle details, and they are very showy since many of them are embodied with different shades of colors.
In recent times, the commercialization of Tarahumara handicrafts has served as part of the sustenance of this ethnic people, with which they seek to cover their basic needs (food, health, among others). That is why they have sought to take advantage of different means for the sale of their products, lately venturing through the internet.
Similarly, these Tarahumara handicrafts can be seen and obtained by visitors and locals in the cities of northern Mexico (Creel, Carichí, Batopilas, Guachochi and Bocoyna), which are the closest places to where this ethnic people.
Main Manifestations of Tarahumara Crafts
The objects worked to create the crafts of this native society, have the particularity, as in other cultures, of being a well-prepared work with extended hours of execution, giving as a final contribution pieces with great beauty and meticulous details.
Usually, the performance of handicrafts is separated according to gender. Tarahumara women usually work pottery, palm woven baskets and textiles. While men usually work with wood carving, through which they create musical instruments, toys and others; and they also participate in the textile part, specifically in the elaboration of blankets, a very characteristic element of this native group; Among the most common crafts of the Tarahumara people, we have:
Textiles
Each of the outfits worn by the Tarahumaras are made by hand, they usually use very colorful cotton fabric with very striking designs. The most elaborate parts are: shirts, scarves and skirts; in addition to the making of handmade blankets, which has different functions for these natives.
Dolls
This is a very traditional element of this culture, these are dolls made of pine wood which makes them very durable, and fabric to make their outfits. At the beginning they were used by girls as a toy, however, these have been part of their cultural representation since it shows the personification of a Tarahumara native.
Basketry
The Tarahumaras use the same procedure as their ancient relatives for hand weaving with palm leaves, reeds or pine; This type of craft has the particularity that it can keep a fresh and natural essence for a long time, it has a very fine finish but with a traditional style and it also provides durability over time. Among the most elaborate elements using this technique, there are: baskets, chests, vases, plates, bags and others.
Pottery
It is one of the most representative elements of this town, in these creations there is no repetitive pattern because they are all made by hand, which makes them valuable and unique pieces. Typically these are worked with ocher, reddish, brick, black, brown colors decorated with details of geometric figures.
Among the pieces made with this craft technique are: pots, vases, cups, pots and other various utensils, of different sizes; even in many cases these can be complemented with ornaments of ribbons or leather.
Carpentry
Using the elements of nature such as the wood obtained from the juniper, the oak and the strawberry tree, they make different types of objects such as toys, furniture, molds with human representations, kitchen utensils, among others.
Musical instruments
Using pine, oyamel or fir wood as raw material, they are able to create musical instruments such as: violins, drums and harps; which are finally decorated with the silhouette of masks or animals.
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