Hojalatas Mexican Folk Art

There are several regions that specialize in tin work in Mexico. Mexican artisans use natural, oxidized and brightly lacquered paints to create ornaments, mirrors, lanterns and other decorative pieces. Oaxaca where artisans use more natural and laquered tin, and the other location is San Miguel de Allende, where oxidized tin is more popular. A third location known for both natural and oxidized tin is Tonalá, Jalisco.

Folk art occurs in every culture. It is art that is created by artists who have no formal art training. It is generally made by hand and is often designed to be functional. Mexican mirrors incorporating embossed tin frames and bright colored frames have been functional art since the 1500’s.