Hands in Clay: Black Pottery Skulls

Enjoy this new clay experience based in San Bartolo Coyotepec where you will learn the ancestral technique of working with the black clay that is typical of the region. During this special seasonal experience, you will learn how to make your own black pottery skulls for the day of the dead celebration!

Sandra will take us step by step through the process of making black clay skull pieces, and you will explore your creativity and develop new skills in the company of a Oaxacan family that is dedicated to the production of this clay technique.

San Bartolo is a town renowned for its identifiable clay pieces, since a large part of its population is dedicated to the production of uniquely-regional black clay pottery. Sandra and her family will talk to you about the history of pottery in the village and their relationship with the art form as a family and a community.

We will leave from Tlayudona at 10 a.m. and will arrive in San Bartolo around 10:45, where we will introduce you to Sandra and her family. They offer a typical Oaxacan breakfast that will you leave you satisfied and ready to get working. We are going to start the experience with an activity called the “amasado”, where your feet will perform the task of kneading the material with which the clay is made. After this, you’ll get to tap into your inspiration and create a piece of your choosing. Sandra can help you hone your techniques if you already have some experience, or introduce you to the basics of working with clay if you’re a beginner. Regardless of your experience level, the special characteristics of black clay and the cultural context of San Bartolo will make this a new and memorable experience for you.

During the workshop we will offer you regional snacks and even a mezcal or two if you’re so inclined.

Once you finish, your piece will be laid out to dry for 5-7 days in order for it to dehydrate evenly and not crack. The next time the family fires their pieces, we can have them delivered back to Tlayudona for pick-up. (Try to schedule your clay experience at the beginning of your trip so that we can get your finished piece to you before you depart!) You are also welcome to take your piece home “wet”, or to have it delivered to you later at your own cost.