In the realm of popular arts: pottery, basket weaving, cutlery, wrought iron, jewelry, textiles and wood working, Oaxaca is one of the richest states in Mexico.

The artistic talent and the imagination of its creators with the traditional techniques and methods have made Oaxacan Handcrafts world famous.

The following is a list of the most representative handcrafts of Oaxaca:

Alebrijes
This is a tradition expressed in fantastic forms and in colorful beings carved of wood. The major producers of these fantastic pieces are in San Antonio Arrazola, 10 kms. to the Southwest of Oaxaca City and in San Martin Tilcajete, 29 kms to the South.

Baskets
This is mostly made from cane in an infinity of decorative and utilitarian forms.Baskets are made in Etla, 15 kms. to the Northeast; Ocotlán de Morelos, 35 kms. to the South; and Tlacolula de Matamoros, 33 kms to the Southeast of Oaxaca City.

Black Pottery
This craft has made Oaxaca world famous. It is produced with special clay with burnished pieces, with cutouts and in various forms, which are well received in the market.

This comes from San Bartolo Coyotepec, 16 km. to the South of Oaxaca City on the road to the International Airport.

We suggest you to visit Doña Rosa's Workshop, located at 24 Benito Juárez street in San Bartolo Coyotepec, only about 20 minutes from the city of Oaxaca.

Cutlery
Iron working has a long tradition in the region. The manufacture of machetes, knives, daggers, tableware and other utensils is carried out in Tlaxiaco, 84 kms. to the Southeast of Nochixtlán, on highway 190.

Pottery
This is one of the best-known crafts and although there is a wide in the state, its main producer is Atzompa, located 8 km to the West of Oaxaca City.

Jewelry
The pre-Hispanic tradition inherited from the Mixteco artisans produces beautiful jewelry that complements the traditional dress of Oaxacan women.

Reproductions of pre-Hispanic work are also made, the best are made in Tehuantepec and in Juchitán.

Textiles
Textiles are also from pre-Hispanic times made on back-strap looms and then later on treadle looms.

Many communities work textiles, these include Santo Tomas Jalieza, 29 kms. to the South of Oaxaca City; and Teotitlán del Valle, 28 kms to the Southeast; Santa Ana del Valle, 34 kms.; and Mitla, 47 kms..

Wrought Iron
Ironwork is another craft inherited from the Colonial era. Beautiful pieces are produced in Santiago Jamiltepec, 30 kms to the east of Pinotepa Nacional on highway 1 and in Tlacolula de Matamoros, 33 kms to the southeast of Oaxaca City.