Arts and Crafts of Mexico (Paperback)

by Chloe Sayer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The charm and humor of Mexican folk art have made it among the most popular in the world, and this lavishly photographed volume will appeal to aficionados of collectible folk art everywhere. Complete with full-color photography of native crafts and vivid portraits of the Mexican people and their lifestyles, The Arts and Crafts of Mexico combines in-depth text and beautiful images into a treasury of myriad indigenous art forms. Among the items covered are brilliant textiles from the country's various regions; a great diversity of ceramics, from rough pots to elegant Majolica ware; fabulous jewelry, ranging from whimsical silver earrings featuring alligators and donkeys, to ornately carved necklaces sparkling with colored beads and precious metals; endearing toys painted in vivid colors; woven goods such as baskets, mats, and bags; intricately crafted metalwork; and special decorations made for celebrations and fiestas. A special section features advice on collecting crafts and includes a glossary, bibliography, and "Peoples of Mexico" chart. Colorful and informative, this is the essential companion for travelers who have visited Mexico and fallen in love with local crafts, potential travelers who are planning a trip to the area, or anyone enthralled by the charm and vibrancy of this unique folk art.

About the Author
Chloe Sayer has conducted extensive research and fieldwork on native crafts and textiles throughout Mexico and Guatemala. The author of several books on the subject -- including Crafts of Mexico, Of Gods and Men: Memo and the Mexican Indian (with Anna Benson Gyles), and Mexican Costume she has lectured widely on various aspects of Mexican culture and contributed to numerous ethnographic craft collections, exhibitions, events, and television documentaries. She lives in London, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1st edition (November 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877017913
• ISBN-13: 978-0877017912
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #615,784 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Colorful treasures, November 1, 2002

By	Enrique Torres "Rico" (San Diegotitlan, Califas) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Arts and Crafts of Mexico (Hardcover)

This is a book that is both visually appealing and highly informative. If you are one who is drawn to the beautiful folkloric arts of Mexico that are steeped deep in tradition, dating back and inspired by pre-colombian culture, than this is a book for you. The color photographs are eye candy to be consumed frequently not just when the book is read. Since many different types of arts are covered this is the type of book that can be read over an extended period of time if so desired. Since one of the authors area of expertise is the textile arts, she dedicates about a third of the book to the colorful weavings of distinct groups from different regions of Mexico. All of the sections covered are interesting and it is a matter of taste but I found the section on the Ceromonial and Euphemeral Arts of Mexico of partcular note. This chapter covers the other worldly art of the Huichols amongst others. If you are a craftsman,artist or collector than these pages will light up your interest or fuel your imagination. Also of particular interest is a map and several pages on Mexico's indegenous people which is a nice introduction to the featured artisians. Recommended for those that appreciate the stunning and colorful arts of Mexico and like a brief yet informative explanation of the featured plates shown. This is an amazing panoramic view of the intricate workings of Mexico's highly skilled artisians.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise and to the point, February 23, 2006

By	Kaveh Moussavi "loza blanca" (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Arts and Crafts of Mexico is extremely well researched. It is a truely learned and passionate result of a long and extensive fieldwork. In every sentence you discover Chloe's deep knowledge of Mexican culture. The arts and crafts come alive in the photographs and their analyses. This book is much more than a catalogue of the popular arts, it provides depth and understanding of Mexico's national heritage.