Blog
Santa María Atzompa: A Oaxacan Pottery Village with a Rich Tradition of Delicious Food
by Greg Rutkowski
Santa María Atzompa is a small village in the Mexican state of Oaxaca that is known for its pottery and is home to about 500 residents.
The village has a long tradition of pottery-making, and the craftsmanship of the local artisans is world-renowned.
In addition to its beautiful pottery, Santa María Atzompa is also famous for its delicious food. The locals are proud of their culinary traditions, and they serve up some of the best food in all of Mexico!
If you're ever in Oaxaca, be sure to visit Santa María Atzompa and see for yourself why this charming village is so special.
To check out all of our Santa Maria Atzompa pottery, click here.
Where is The Village of Santa María Atzompa?
The village of Santa María Atzompa is located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is situated about 12 kilometers (seven miles) outside of the city of Oaxaca de Juárez, which is the capital of Oaxaca.
Santa María Atzompa is a small village, but it is well-known around the world for its pottery.
The town itself is a typical 16th century Mexican village with dirt streets and houses made of adobe bricks. The village is situated on a hillside and has a view of the valley below.
The Santa María Atzompa Pottery Tradition
The village of Santa María Atzompa has a long tradition of pottery-making that dates back hundreds of years.
The Atzompa people are known for their skills in creating beautiful and functional pottery.
The artisans of Santa María Atzompa are renowned for their craftsmanship, and their pottery is sought after by collectors and art lovers from all over the world.
The pottery of Santa María Atzompa is characterized by its bright colors and intricate designs. The local artisans use a technique called "sgraffito" to create their beautiful pieces.
This technique involves scratching designs into the surface of the clay pots with a sharp tool.
The pottery tradition in Santa María Atzompa is unique and the clay used to make the pots is found only in this region.
The Atzompa people have passed down their knowledge of pottery making from generation to generation.
The Different Types of Pottery and Styles in Santa María Atzompa
Barro Verde
Barro Esmaltado
Unique Clay Faces
To check out all of our Santa Maria Atzompa pottery, click here.
Other products include utilitarian pieces such as jars for making and drinking chocolate, cooking pots, Day of the Dead incense burners, grated figures with glazed heads for chia, sauce dishes, fruit bowls, vases. Decorative pieces such as plates, pots, figures, lamp bases, vases.
Some of the pottery materials used are white and gray clay, lead litharge or lead-free glaze, ceramic pigments.
The tools that they use are very rustic; lathes and/or potter's wheel, tepalcates, river stone.
The piece is shaped by hand or turned, the piece is smoothed and given a light burnishing; for decoration, sgraffito and/or pastillage can be used.
A first firing is done, and then the color is applied, either green or different colors, as well as lead or lead-free enamel and put back into the kiln.
The Santa María Atzompa Food Tradition
In addition to its pottery, Santa María Atzompa is also famous for its food. The locals are proud of their culinary traditions, and they serve up some of the best food in all of Mexico!
The food of Santa María Atzompa is characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients.
The village is situated in a region that is renowned for its agriculture, and the villagers take advantage of this by using fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats in their dishes.
The village is famous for its "mole negro," which is a type of sauce made with chocolate, chiles, and spices. If you're ever in Oaxaca, you HAVE to try the mole negro!
Why You Should Visit Santa María Atzompa
Santa María Atzompa is also home to a number of beautiful churches.
The village church, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is a particularly popular tourist destination. The church was built in the 16th century and it features a stunning baroque facade.
If you're interested in Mexican history and architecture, Santa María Atzompa is a great place to visit.
In conclusion, Santa María Atzompa is a village with a lot to offer. Whether you're interested in pottery, food, or history, this charming village is sure to delight. So, if you find yourself in Oaxaca, be sure to add Santa María Atzompa to your list of places to see! You won't regret it!
Have you ever been to Santa María Atzompa? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! And, if you're interested in learning more about Mexican culture click here.
To check out all of our Santa Maria Atzompa pottery, click here.
Greg Rutkowski, President
Greg is a lover of agave spirits, handicrafts, and barware. In 2020 he married all of his loves and created a business bringing amazing pieces from all over Mexico to the United States. Learn more here.
0 comments