In the adjoining areas of the Sierra Madre Occidental, where the arid rocks draw the landscape with golden and ocher colors and the shadows of the clouds mark the slow passing of the hours, there is a small town of white buildings and chaparros.
It has columns decorated with staggered black and brown color. Its ornaments represent birds, iguanas, owls and diverse wild animals. The town of Mata Ortiz. The town is named for the soldier who undermined the guerrillas’ attempts at revolution, including the Apache Juh. Now, it is known for immortalizing the images of ancient cultures in its pottery, considered among the finest in the world.
Mata Ortiz, a town full of history
Mata Ortiz, a magical town in northern Mexico, is known for its rich ceramic tradition, but it has also emerged as a center of artistic innovation. In this context, Graciela Martínez’s work stands out for its originality and dedication to quality.
Graciela has taken Mata Ortiz pottery to new heights, combining traditional techniques with a contemporary approach that has enamored collectors and art aficionados alike. Her bags, crafted with the same passion that characterizes the region’s ceramics, are a reflection of the images that persist in Casas Grandes.
An evolving trade in the Sierra of Chihuahua
Each bag Graciela makes is a functional work of art. She uses numerous techniques, such as engraving and hand painting. This gives each piece a particular character and style. Her ability to fuse aesthetics with practicality has made her bags a symbol of elegance and culture. 
By choosing Graciela Martinez bags, you are not only acquiring a unique accessory, but also supporting a community and a tradition that is constantly evolving. Her work is a testament to how creativity and innovation can transform cultural heritage, reimagining the art of ceramics for new generations.
If you would like to learn more about the pottery of the region, and the pieces that represent it, we invite you to visit DeCorazón México. We are a socially responsible store, focused on spreading and defending the authenticity of a practice as precarious as craftsmanship. We have Alebrijes de Madera de Copal (or Oaxacan tonas), green clay pitchers, black clay catrinas, among other traditional and modern pieces, all developed by Oaxacan artisans.
