Earth, Water, Fire: The Secrets of Barro Negro Pottery

Discover the magical practice of Oaxacan black clay pottery, and meet the inspiring female artisans reviving this extraordinary craft

The most striking thing about handmade artisanal crafts is the blend of diligence, passion, skill, and ingenuity that goes into creating them. Even the apparently simplest of products go through a complex process, perfected through the generations, where often several pairs of hands make the artist’s imagination come to life.

Barro negro pottery, made of naturally black clay found in the Oaxacan region in Mexico, is the ultimate combination of physically intense handmade work, the mystery of centuries-old traditions, and the almost magical effects of chemical reactions.

Barro negro products, which are 100% organic and made solely of mud and water, take on a beautiful and unique sheen after firing, unseen in other natural clays. Getting to the finished piece involves everything from a healthy dose of muscle to precise temperatures and the use of specific kinds of stones to polish the clay.