In Oaxaca, black ceramics (“barro negro”) are produced only in one pueblo: San Bartolo Coyotepec. There is a vast range of quality and style. Some are extraordinary works of art – highly sophisticated collectors’ pieces — treating complex themes and/or recording pueblo life of the past. Others create less precious, but well-designed, pieces, some of which are purely decorative and others utilitarian, e.g., vases and bowls. There is also a variety of far more commercial items.
