Oaxacan Folk Art

Oaxaca is located in the mountain valleys of Southern Mexico.Oaxaca is located in the mountain valleys of Southern Mexico. The Oaxacan people farm the land, raise animals and make art.The Oaxacan people farm the land, raise animals and make art.

Many artists work with clay, metal and wood.Many artists work with clay, metal and wood. Eighty percent of the people work as woodcarvers.Eighty percent of the people work as woodcarvers.

The tradition of carving began years ago when the poor people made toys for their children out of wood.The tradition of carving began years ago when the poor people made toys for their children out of wood. Over time, the carvers became very skilled and began carving finely crafted pieces of artwork.Over time, the carvers became very skilled and began carving finely crafted pieces of artwork.

The Oaxacan carvers are best known for their colorful, vibrant, festive animal sculptures.The Oaxacan carvers are best known for their colorful, vibrant, festive animal sculptures.

What is Clay? Fine-grained, firm earthy material that is plastic when wet, brittle when dry, and very hard when heated.

Teacher Sample Reference Photograph

In Chinese art and martial art, the tiger is depicted as an earth symbol, representing matter and spirit.

Teacher Sample

References: “Oaxacan Woodcarving; Innovation meets tradition”.