Hands in clay: Atzompa "Los ardillas"

Just outside Oaxaca City lies Santa María Atzompa, a historic pottery town whose ceramic traditions date back thousands of years and remain alive in everyday life today. This hands-on cultural experience invites you into the workshop of the renowned “Ardilla” family, master potters known for preserving ancestral techniques while shaping some of the most distinctive green-glazed ceramics in the region.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll step into a living tradition of clay, fire, and memory. You’ll learn the full pottery process from start to finish—beginning with raw earth, moving through shaping and molding, and ending with the transformation that only a kiln can achieve. Under the direct guidance of experienced artisans, you can try your hand at the foot-powered AND electric potter’s wheels or work with traditional hand-building techniques used for generations in Oaxaca.

This is more than a workshop—it’s an immersive cultural exchange that connects you to the people, history, and identity of Atzompa. As you work alongside the Ardilla family, you’ll also hear their personal stories, gaining insight into how this craft has been preserved and adapted within their community over time. At the end of the experience, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Oaxaca’s living craft heritage.

*Firing and delivery of your cooked pieces to Tlayudona on the agreed upon date (usually between 1-2 weeks from the experience, depending on the weather)

*Pieces can be shipped to you at your own cost. Keep in mind that international shipping of pottery is quite expensive, and we will not know the exact shipping price until the cooked pieces can be weighed by the shipping company. You can also take home your uncooked pieces to be fired at a later date.