ritageDeCorazón México is excited to introduce its latest collection of pottery from Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, featuring symbols that reflect the local culture and way of life. These beautiful works revive an ancient pottery tradition from deep within the Sierra Chihuahuense. Step into the story of Casas Grandes, a region where pottery has been an essential part of its cultural heritage.

Mata Ortiz: A Hidden Gem in Northern Mexico

In the small village of Mata Ortiz, just south of Paquimé, Chihuahua, an ancient pottery tradition thrives, captivating collectors and Mexican folk art experts from all over the world. Mata Ortiz pottery brings together rich history, skilled craftsmanship, and contemporary design, creating pieces that stand out for their distinctive beauty.

A Legacy from the Paquimé Civilization

The origins of Mata Ortiz pottery trace back to the Paquimé culture, one of the most influential in northern Mexico during the 13th to 15th centuries. Paquimé, also known as Casas Grandes, was a major trade and cultural center connecting Mesoamerica with the American Southwest. The city was famous for its unique architecture, advanced water systems, and, of course, its pottery.

A Pottery Revival Led by Juan Quezada

A Legacy from the Paquimé Civilization

The origins of Mata Ortiz pottery trace back to the Paquimé culture, one of the most influential in northern Mexico during the 13th to 15th centuries. Paquimé, also known as Casas Grandes, was a major trade and cultural center connecting Mesoamerica with the American Southwest. The city was famous for its unique architecture, advanced water systems, and, of course, its pottery.

A Pottery Revival Led by Juan Quezada

In the 1970s, Juan Quezada, a self-taught artist from Mata Ortiz, rediscovered the pottery techniques once used by the Paquimé people. While exploring the area, Quezada found ancient pottery shards and set out to learn how they were made. With no manuals or formal training, Quezada experimented with local clay, refining his process until he successfully revived the ancient methods. His efforts not only brought back a lost art form but also inspired the local community. Today, more than 400 artisans in Mata Ortiz create unique pottery pieces that are celebrated worldwide in the Mexican craft market.

 

A Living Tradition

The process of making Mata Ortiz pottery is completely handcrafted, following the techniques of the Paquimé people. The local clay is carefully selected for its texture and shaped by hand—without a potter’s wheel—into vases and bowls. The intricate designs, painted with natural pigments sourced from local minerals, feature geometric patterns and colors ranging from earthy tones to deep blacks. Firing the pieces in outdoor kilns gives each one a distinctive, natural finish.

From large clay pots to smaller, more functional pieces, Mata Ortiz pottery is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and remarkable symmetry, all achieved without the use of a wheel.

These designs often reflect the geometric forms of Paquimé iconography, but contemporary elements have also been incorporated, making each piece a perfect addition to both art collections and home decor.

Where to Buy Mata Ortiz Pottery

Visiting the town of Mata Ortiz is a journey through the Chihuahuan Desert, with the Sierra Madre mountains marking your path, leading to a plaza decorated with the geometric shapes, animals, people, and landscapes that define this unique craft. At DeCorazón México, located at Plaza San Jacinto No. 20, Mexico City, we invite you to explore a piece of this rich pottery tradition and become familiar with the icons of northern Mexico. We hope you enjoy our curated selection, chosen with great care and enthusiasm.