FAMILIA ORTÍZ CORTÉS

Río Blanco Tonaltepec, Oaxaca

Maestra Margarita and Don Abelino together with their children, Marisela, Juan and Jaqueline make the Familia Ortíz Cortés. From a small town known for its unique pottery decoration technique, Familia Ortíz Cortéz is one of the very few families maintaining this rare and beautiful craft.

Each piece is carefully hand built then fired in a stone kiln. The kiln is continuously fed wood and other combustibles until it reaches the necessary temperature.

The wares are carefully removed and placed in front of other members who quickly decorate the piping hot pieces with boiled bark liquid that will stain the surface and create beautiful and unique patterns.