Red clay pottery from Oaxaca is of our favorites - rough or smooth, it carries and breathes the days and weeks of effort that went into creating them. It has traditionally been women's trade, from San Marcos Tlapazola all way to the remote villages of the Sierra of Oaxaca, for centuries.
As an illustration of the amount of work that goes into making these pieces, here comes a link to an endearing video, filmed and directed by talented young Betsy Redelman, a socially engaged potter, filmmaker, writter and educator who spent some time with Mujeres Del Barro Rojo group from the village of San Marcos Tlapazola, documenting the process of red clay pottery creation, from how the clay is collected in the mountains, and through a long way it takes to get to the firing. The colorful dresses and aprons these ladies wear are a part of the customary daily outfit in the region, and add a charming and lovable frame to this story.
Click here to watch the video.
