Trees of life: From attempted evangelization to works of art

December 10, 2019 at 13:24 p.m.


Trees of life: From attempted evangelization to works of art


With the arrival of the Spaniards to Mexico, they noticed that the mud It was used in everyday objects, from dishes to utensils.

It also served to make figurines of their gods and idols, a situation with which the invaders disagreed.

At that time they saw the opportunity to convert this material into an ally.

That was how the manufacturing of the trees of life to evangelize the population.

In the upper part there was always God and underneath seven branches that represented the seven days in which he created everything that inhabits the earth.

The history of creation, as well as biblical passages, were inserted in the figures that were increasingly more and more elaborate.

And with the passage of time ...

 

The elaboration of these crafts began in the early colonial period and in the mid-twentieth century became relevant.

Puebla and Oaxaca worked them and it is still unclear where it came from, but it was in Metepec, State of Mexico, that they became popular and where it has been incredibly preserved.

To become authentic clay sculptures that not only show the garden of Eden.

Although many copies retain Adam and Eve, Noah's ark or some other religious elements.

But different elements have been incorporated such as the sun and the moon, animals, flowers, fruits, butterflies, birds, in short, anything that occurs to the artisan and creative trees.

The intricate pieces of decoration are valuable due to their complexity and detail, even some are in private collections or museums for their beauty.

This activity is one of the main ones for the Metepec economy. However, it is not the only place where they are held, currently Oaxaca, Jalisco or Guanajuato also participate.

 

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