Book Review: Mexican Folk Art from Oaxacan Artist Families by Arden Aibel Rothstein and Anya Leah Rothstein

Alvin Starkman MA, LL.B.

Fans of the popular art of the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico are already familiar with Arden Aibel Rothstein and Anya Leah Rothstein Mexico Folk Art Oaxacan Artist Families (Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 2007). It is surprising to learn, however, that some people with an interest in the craft of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, are not even aware of this seminal work - especially since it was first published in 2002.

The 2007 Mexican Folk Art is a comprehensive summary and a detailed review of each major type of contemporary folk art from Oaxaca, contained in a refreshing format and easy to use. The book is divided into ten chapters, each devoted to a different medium: ceramics, textiles, woodcarving, metal (including tin work, cutlery and knives), miniatures and toys, jewelry, candles, flower baskets and crafts dried, the final chapter devoted to Day of the Dead.

In general, each chapter begins with an overview of an art form, such as significant changes inside. In the chapter on ceramics, for example, the divisions are Terra Cotta, green glazed glass Multi-Color, Black (Black Pottery) and painted red. Often, a village in the central valleys of Oaxaca is known for the production of a specific type of folk art. Accordingly, in some cases, a chapter and then proceeds to describe a particular village, giving the reader additional context. We are descriptions of, among others, the peoples of the ceramic Atzompa, San Bartolo Coyotepec and Ocotln.

When a family is characterized by a specific innovation or adaptable to the creation of a certain craft, a family history continues. Individual craftsmen highlighted. For black pottery from San Bartolo Coyotepec, we find descriptions of the family Nieto de Castillo, of which the famous Doa Rosa was a member, along with biographies of his son Don Valente Nieto Real and members of his clan, and the Pedro Martínez of the family with the acclaimed biographies of Charlemagne Pedro Martínez and his family.

In all, Mexican Folk Art presents works by 100 artists from 50 families who live in Oaxaca or one of 13 towns and villages. In most cases we are enlightened with regard to personality, vision and motivation of each individual carver, weaver or potter, and have a profile, enhanced by the inclusion of a direct quote. Thus the reader gains an idea inspired by each craftsman. In many cases, the authors also include a section on the techniques used by the artist, including the various sources of raw materials such as wool from the Mixtec region of the state to make carpets and rugs, clay or other regions of the state to change the tone and texture of the sculptures, and processing methods including extraction of natural dyes from fruits, plants, soil and cochineal.

With its glossy front cover and about 700 photographs, Mexican Folk Art rightly be called a coffee table book. But much more.The pictures in themselves to bring the book, and artists to life: Apolinar Aguilar Ocotln, forging a red hot piece of metal recycling in a hunting knife art, a sample of women painted clay provocation of the night , made by his cousin Julian, the son of the famous Guillermina Aguilar Jacobo Angeles de San Martin Tilcajete carving of a wooden figure of the copal tree, or standing beside his wife Mara and his family, each proudly displaying alebrije one exquisitely painted; Teotitlan n del Valle, Isaac Vásquez weaver, working at her loom to create a table, the model inspired by a pictogram pre-Hispanic and examples of various colors very detailed hand embroidery of San Antonino, as the yoke and the sleeve of a dress.

This gem easily should appeal to any reader with an interest or expertise in anthropology, history or geography. The importance and influence of Zapotec Indian descent and present contemporary cultural events shines through many of the ethnographic accounts. Genealogies (called Family Trees), which includes one of the appendices are in-depth, and date and in the 19th century.Help the reader understand the historical context and generation of Oaxacan craft development.

To help those interested in exploring the craft villages and visiting artists on their own without the assistance of a tour guide in Oaxaca, across the body of the address book and any additional contact information available for each artist is always, as phone number and email. A second appendix consists of a series of town maps easy to read, detailing the exact location of each guest artist also facilitate contact.

Arden and Anya Rothstein authors correctly warn that its presentation of artists constitutes "a sampling" of what is available to those interested in exploring the interior of Oaxaca. They actually encouraged to go out and explore on your own, considering that next hot artist that could rise to international stature. They are careful that their requirements are based on listings that are the most innovative craftsmen, or produce work that is of high caliber, especially according to certain criteria.The Rothstein acknowledged that the work of any innovative company of a whole class of folk art, and of those producing the quality of a cut above the rest, is often beyond the financial reach of many. Therefore, characteristic of other artists whose works are more accessible but also of exceptional quality.

Folk art collectors will often need a reminder that the purchase of the work of a recognized name does not necessarily mean the product is best in terms of coloration or patina, shape, design, or images it causes, and that what he calls the imagination of most, or so-called experts might not be your particular cup of tea. Along this line, "honorable mention" provides those responsible for certain trades, whose works are not included (under the heading of, for example, "wood carvers in Arrazola additional). The clear suggestion is that readers should go out and explore, and make their own determinations and decisions based on personal preferences.

Is it worth buying the 2nd edition if you already have the 1st? Certainly give it some consideration, if you have not already entangled himself in the assessment and collection of folk art from Oaxaca have explored the central valleys.When the volume of 2002 has 500 photos and features 87 artists from 44 families, the most recent publication, as noted above, has been expanded to 700, 100 and 50 respectively. Some of the craftsmen only mentioned in the previous volume under the "extra" game have been raised to "Featured Artist" with his plays and stories chronicle properly. And in some cases where families have grown and people have been affected population, the authors observed changes properly. Wisely, at least in this reviewer's opinion, the U.S. dollar "Price Guide" has been omitted from this new volume, because more than anything is likely to cause confusion in the consuming public, with the possibility of putting barriers between artists and future customers. In relations between the economies of Mexico and the United States, there are many variables and market conditions in play, to enable better supplier / buyer creator and make your own assessment of the value of respect for labor.

Mexican Folk Art is a comprehensive study and documentation of all major types of contemporary folk art from Oaxaca and its authorities, past and present. Do not let her look like "just another fantasy book coffee table" fool you.Get what you intend to do, and something else. Should be seen as a guide rather than a Bible. If we are always blessed with a 3rd edition, maybe the editor will see fit to put duplicates of the maps of people in a separate pocket? that would be a shame that a wonderful work being improperly used by toting it from town to town.