Barro Rojo or Red Clay is a traditional type of ceramics made in San Marcos Tlapazola, a small pueblo in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Known in their community as las mujeres del barro rojo, (the women of the red clay), these women turn earth into gorgeous ceramic pieces by using techniques passed down over generations. The creation process takes weeks and demands physical strength and perseverance. They begin by excavating earth from the fields and mountains close to their home. Next, they transform the earth through a multi-step process into clay that is ready for modeling. Perfectly rounded pieces are made completely by hand, using only natural materials, such as corn cobs, to help shape the clay. Once the form is made, the piece is set to dry, shaved down, coated in red clay, dried again, and then polished. The final step is the firing, which is done through a unique process in which the ceramics are placed in an outdoor fire pit with brush and branches to burn.
The Barro Rojo Collection is designed and produced by Macrina Mateo Martinez.
Care Instructions
We recommend washing your cup by hand.
Shipping
El Gordito is in stock. We are currently re-firing the pieces to ensure they are sealed to meet our standards. Barro Rojo is a porous clay that sometimes needs additional firing to ensure water doesn't seep through. Cups will be shipped out on, or before, the 18th of December. We appreciate your patience. If this is a gift that needs to arrive before the 24th, we recommend selecting two-day shipping.
