Gourds Workshop

Taught by Obdulia Almazán (Temalacatzingo, Guerrero) and Itzel León (CDMX)

The gourds are edible fruits that are usually harvested to create different kinds of containers used in mexican everyday life for centuries. Mexico has found remains of jícaras (a type of bowl) made with the maque technique, which was used in ancient times for rituals and ceremonies in sacred spaces.

Once the fruit is cut, it is taken out in the sun so that the pulp can dry, then is extracted until the surface is completely smooth. Afterwards, the "maqueado" process can begin.

This process involves the application of oils, minerals and earth on the fruits applied with the palm of the hand until it obtains a consistent color. When it's completely dried, the piece is glossed with cotton for decorative purposes. Which can include different designs such as flowers, frets, stains or lines, depending on the antisan's precisision, observation and imagination.

During this workshop, the participants will apply the maque technique on a piece of gourd, creating their own designs.

Running Time: 4 hours
Includes: materials and brunch

Colors, Textures & Pre-Order

Our products are made in creative and productive collaboration with Mexican artisans. Their elaboration involves manual processes that generate variations in colors and textures. It is important to note that the actual color of the garment may vary from the color shown on the screen.

For products or variants that are available only on request (pre-order) we ask that 3 to 4 weeks of production be considered, in addition to the shipping time.