Red Clay Ceramics with Macrina

Macrina, a master potter from the indigenous Zapotec lineage, has honed her craft in red clay for almost fifty years, learning from her mother as a young girl. While her community traditionally focused on cookware, Macrina was the pioneer in her village, experimenting with diverse forms such as flower vases. This innovation catalyzed renewed interest in the red clay tradition, leading Macrina to found an all-female cooperative and international recognition.

She ventures into the foothills to excavate clay for crafting beautiful pottery like bowls, plates, salseros, mezcal cups, comales, and cooking vessels. There's no potter's wheel or kiln, just deft movements of her fingers. She relies on ancient techniques, such as using a corncob, leather scraps, a deconstructed basketball, and slivers of gourds to shape the clay. Each piece is meticulously hand-built, burnished, and cured in an open fire – the same method her Zapotec ancestors employed for 3,500 years.

For Macrina, red clay is not just a material; it's a lifeline that has inspired her to pursue her dreams despite life's challenges. Sharing this experience with her in a place deeply connected to the craft's history will be a truly enriching endeavor.