Workshop: Hojalata Ornaments

Make hanging tin ornaments inspired by Hojalata, a Oaxacan folk art made by pressing delicate lines into metal. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2880 (starting November 15). Learn More About Hojalata: “Oaxacan metal art, also known as hojalata or 'tin art,' is a folk art development that became popular on the tourist trade in the 20th century. While the use of tin is relatively recent, this artform has deep roots in Precolumbian Mesoamerican metallurgy. Artists of the Postclassic period (900-1521 CE) Mixtec cultures of Oaxaca created elaborate metalwork jewelry designs in gold, silver, and copper using the techniques of lost-wax casting and of forging and repoussé, or hammering the metal into shape. Traditional Mixtec metalwork was often religious, depicting gods, goddesses, and sacred symbols. Today, descendants of the Mixtec and Mixtec Mestizo (mixed Native and Spanish heritage) artists of Oaxaca make elaborately forged tin metal ornaments that also have religious themes, but these take the form of Christian characters and symbols–and perhaps symbols that developed from both indigenous and Christian imagery.” (Source: Teel, Sarah (2020, October). Oaxacan Metal Folk Art: Researched by Codee Ratliff. Art History Virtual Exhibition.