Pineapples of Patamban and San Jose de Gracia

Pottery of Mexico Vol 1: Pineapples of
Patamban and San José de Gracia

Pottery has been made both for use and decoration in Mexico
since pre-columbian times, and in many villages the same methods
and traditions are still in use today. Michoacán state, located in
the southwestern part of Mexico, is especially rich in crafts-produc-
ing villages each one with its unique product. Most work is for local
consumption though some produce grander works for a wider
audience. In this video, a potter and a filmmaker work together to
beautifully document potters in two neighboring villages:
Patamban and San José de Gracia.

This documentary covers how the potters produce their low-fire pieces
from start to finish. Local clay is collected, processed, shaped in bisque molds, embellished with applied sprig textures, and then fired in wood-burning kilns. The film also reveals a culture of sustainability in which each generation gathers its materials locally and creates tools from what is at hand.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• pottery
• mexico
• patamban
• pineapple
• ceramics