Hojalatas Mexican Folk Art

Mexican Folk Art: Hojaletas

Tin foil art

What is an hojalata?

Mexican folk art is hojalata (tin art work), also known in some parts of Mexico as, lamina or lata. Since the 1500's, this humble metal has been made more pleasing by being shaped, stamped, punched, painted and cut into a wide variety of decorative and functional artwork.

Two main cities are known for the craft

There are several regions that specialize in tin work in Mexico. Mexican artisans use natural, oxidized and brightly lacquered paints to create ornaments, mirrors, lanterns and other decorative pieces. Oaxaca where artisans use more natural and laquered tin, and the other location is San Miguel de Allende, where oxidized tin is more popular. A third location known for both natural and oxidized tin is Tonalá, Jalisco.

History

Folk art occurs in every culture. It is art that is created by artists who have no formal art training. It is generally made by hand and is often designed to be functional. Mexican mirrors incorporating embossed tin frames and bright colored frames have been functional art since the 1500’s.

How it's made

• Mexican hojalata (tin art work) is created by stamping, punching and cutting tin shapes. Tin has been a metal of choice because it is inexpensive and easy to emboss.