Barro Negro (Mexican Black Clay): Virgin Mary hippo

Barro Negro (Mexican Black Clay): Virgin Mary hippoMexican barro negro sculpture from the Doa Rosa family workshop ."Barro negro" translates from Spanish to "black clay". This clay is found in only one place in the world San Bartolo Coyotepec in Oaxaca. Here, the clay is excavated from the ground, molded, and pit fired. Its glossy finish is achieved by polishing the clay with quartz stone before firing. This technique was invented and perfected by Doa Rosa, a ceramics artisan, in the 1950's at her

5" x 5" x 4

Mexico Length/Height/Width: 11

Height: 16" (Single piece of wood)

Lauro is brother-in-law to Damian Morales

Length/Height/Width: 10" x 8" x 4

Their children are young and are also learning the skills that go into creating these pieces

Fantastic ostrich wood carving by Eleazar Morales at his workshop in Oaxaca

Length/Height/Width: 10" x 5" x 6"

Beautifully carved piece made from wood of the copal tree which is native to Oaxaca and the preferred wood of carvers

Vulture alebrije wood carving by Susano Morales and family

This colorful raccoon or "mapache" has a very cheerful look and a smile on its face

Massive iguana alebrije wood carving handcrafted by the Morales family in Oaxaca