“What stories could this \u00c1rbol de Agua tell if it could talk?”
The \u00c1rbol de Agua stands before us. It represents a deep tradition in Mexican pottery. This tradition is the Tree of Life.
The Tree of Life is a type of Mexican pottery sculpture. It is traditional in central Mexico. Especially it can be found in the municipality of Metepec. Originally, these sculptures showed the Biblical story of creation. They were used to teach natives in the early colonial period.
Crafting these trees from terracotta began in Izucar de Matamoros Puebla. Today, the craft is most closely linked to Metepec. Traditionally, these sculptures contain biblical images. Adam and Eve are often depicted. Recently, trees have been created with non-Biblical themes.
The \u00c1rbol de Agua before you reflects this evolving art form.
The tree is assembled from many pieces. Soft, unfired clay is used. Each piece is formed separately. The creation of Trees of Life is part of Mexico’s central highlands pottery tradition. Pottery dates back to 1800 to 1300 B.C. Clay figures were common. Painting these figures came later with Olmec influence. Around 800 A.D., Teotihuacan influence added religious symbols to ceramics.
Matlatzinca pottery continued to evolve in Mexico State. It was strategically located between the Valley of Mexico and Morelos and Guerrero.
After the Spanish conquest, friars destroyed depictions of old gods. They replaced them with Christian images. The Tree of Life was introduced to teach Biblical stories.
During the colonial period, ceramics were mainly for personal use. They blended Spanish and indigenous techniques and designs. In the 20th century, decorative pieces emerged. The Tree of Life became a symbol of this era. Non-religious trees with themes like death or spring appeared.
The construction of clay tree sculptures started with the Garden of Eden theme. This began in Izucar de Matamoros in Puebla State. It then spread to other areas. Metepec distinguished its trees with bright colors. The tree sculptures became emblematic of Metepec. Clay sculptures include mermaids and Pegasus. Roosters, lions and flowers are also made.
The most traditional Trees of Life have vital images. God is at the top of the sculpture. Below are images of the world’s creation in seven days. These include the sun, moon, animals, Adam and Eve. The serpent appears. Archangel Gabriel is at the bottom. He casts out Adam and Eve. The tree looks like a candelabra. Trees are for religious and decorative use. Those with incense burners are for religious purposes. In Izucar de Matamoros, these trees appear in processions.
The trees are made from clay fired in gas ovens. Most trees are 26 to 60 cm tall. They can take two weeks to three months to create. Very large pieces can take up to three years. These trees range from miniatures to public sculptures. Common themes are life and death and man’s relationship with nature. Artisans learn to make them from family.
Variations have appeared recently. Themes include life and death and nature. Essential elements like Adam and Eve are often kept. Tiburcio Soteno Fernandez makes trees unrelated to the Garden of Eden. They represent history. His works are in collections worldwide. Some say only those related to the Garden of Eden are true Trees of Life.
According to Juan Jos\u00e9 Rodr\u00edguez, the Tree of Life is on The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s album cover.
Crafting occurs mainly in Metepec, Izucar de Matamoros, and Acatlan. Most are made for commercial purposes. They were once gifts for newlyweds. This symbolized fertility and abundance. The craft is best preserved in Metepec. Craftsmen have received orders internationally. The municipality of Metepec sponsors pottery courses. This keeps the tradition alive.
The craft is declining due to cheap imitations. The government has developed trademarks for traditional crafts. In 2009, the Tree of Life was trademarked for Metepec and Calimaya artisans. This protects about 300 families. The trademark promotes the product internationally.
The Concurso Nacional de Alfareria y Ceramica \u201cArbol de la Vida\u201d is a national ceramics prize. Each year, indigenous communities gather to form a human Tree of Life.
Despite these efforts, some projects have struggled. The Explanada Artesanal lacks visitors and support.
The \u00c1rbol de Agua before you is more than just a sculpture. It is a living piece of Mexican history. It embodies cultural resilience. It is a testament to the enduring power of art.