There is evidence that the first objects made in metal by man were used for decoration. Pre-Columbian cultures mastered gold and silver and used precious stones to embellish the creation of jewels and ornaments of chiefs and priests. Goldsmithing is distinguished by aesthetics and by the uniqueness of its motifs. Various techniques shared among Taxco artisans, Mexico and Oaxaca, among others, enriched their know-how and allowed the natural talent to evolve among them, resulting in the creation of traditional pieces of jewelry: earring arts, pomegranate and pomegranate necklaces, crosses and bracelets, inspired by motifs, frets and symbology of the archaeological zones. The most commonly used material is silver, sometimes harmoniously combined with semiprecious stones, taking care of the elaboration of them as well as the quality that characterizes the work of the goldsmith artists. The silverware has been transformed but its purpose as before is aesthetic and is inspired by pre-Columbian art and folk art.Artisan: Felipe CárdenasOaxaca, Oaxaca, México
Text by: Laura Landeros Zuno.
Translation from spanish: Alejandra Vázquez.
Sources: Grandes Maestros del Arte Popular, Primera reimpresión, 2001, Fomento Cultural Banamex, México, D.F., http://artesdemexico.com, http://www.mexicodesconocido.com, https://sites.google.com/site/rechazadoyembutidodemetales/, http://www.buenastareas.com/ensayos/Rechazado-De-Metales/2701763.html, https://bifea.revues.org/4057?lang=en, http://www.piteadofino.com/piteado_fino_113.htm.
