Channel: NOVICA

Category: Howto & Style

Tags: oaxaca black potteryhandwork skullcut work skulldecorative skulloaxacan black potteryanakaremblack potteryday of dead skullhandmade skullday of deadtraditional cut workmexico black potteryfloral skullskullblack pottery skullamazing skull

Description: Anakarem learned the process and technique from her father, Don José, an artisan known for making large ceramic jars. All her pottery is crafted by the family. Some dig the clay, others design and shape it, and someone else lights the wood-fired kiln. The decorative perforations are called calado, and are done with a sharp blade to create floral, geometric and other motifs. The black pottery is fired in a traditional kiln, built by the artisans themselves. The skull represents and celebrates death. These sculptures are used in the altars for the Day of the Dead on November 2. You can see more of Anakarem's work here: novica.com/artistdetail/?faid=9182