Handmade Mask by Rodrigo de la Cruz Traditional Oapan Pottery Mexican Folk Art

Description

I just received a
huge shipment from Mexico of commissioned pieces,
this
Mask
is
one of the new items.  It was all
handmade
by Rodrigo de la Cruz from San
Augustin Oapan
.  I will be listing many more pieces by Rodrigo including Pigs, Dogs, Owls, Deer and a few Really Large pieces of human figures..
It measures approx. 8 3/4 inches tall by 7 inches long & 2 inches deep.
"Esteban de la Cruz
and his son,
Rodrigo
, live in the small isolated community of
San Augustin Oapan in the State of Guerrero
. The tradition of making handcrafted and hand-painted ceramics has been in their family for five generations. While the traditional methods for producing these pieces are being replaced by cheap recreations, using molds and unnatural acrylic paints, Esteban and Rodrigo’s family remains dedicated to the history and culture of the craft and only produce their unique ceramics using natural techniques.
The duo produces a variety of figurines and one-of-a-kind ceramics including pot shaped
canteros
, round
aquadoras,
human figures, bowls and rustic animals.  They take donkeys into the mountain to harvest the clay and gather the natural sources used for pigments such as plants and stones.  After firing the hand-formed designs in open-air, hardening in place their desired shapes, the surfaces are intricately painted with various images including nativities, wildlife and other figures of cultural and historical significance to the family.
The family has won national, regional and local awards for their amazing work and dedication, however, the traditional art form is at risk of disappearing.  Because of the isolation of their home and the lack of tourism, it is difficult for buyers to reach these artists. When you admire the time Esteban and Rodrigo spend to finish a piece, you will instantly see the difference in the quality and skill that goes into their work compared to the mass produced and quickly manufactured replicas sold in many tourist communities and marketplaces."
Please note that there may be small flaws.....
this is quite common and typical of handmade pieces...
I do combine shipping on multiple items...
please follow the instructions below....
To Combined Shipping for multiple purchases:
Please
request an invoice
by using the Cart feature (under the Buy-It-Now button).  Add items until you are done shopping, then hit the
"
Request total from seller"
button.   When I receive your request I will issue an
updated invoice with the shipping costs adjusted…
Please take a look at my Ebay Store for more Mexican Folk Art, Hand Made Clothing and Jewelry.... VIVA MEXICO!!!