Red Clay Mugs

Description:

This pottery is handmade by indigenous people part of the Zapotec tribe in Oaxaca, Mexico. They use red clay powder from their farmland soil and make the clay by mixing it with water. They hand-carve each unique bowl with love and intention. They then place the bowl in an oven to naturally fire it. Each bowl is food grade, so you may eat or drink out of them! They craft them to be exceptionally unique, with each face being meticulously hand-carved as an expression of gratitude to their ancestors. Every piece of pottery has its own personality. 

Each purchase contributes to their villages and communities. Their way of life is in danger, and our effort plays a crucial role in preserving their cultural heritage. Your purchase makes a significant impact by supporting their families and the continuity of their traditions.

Generations of ancestors passed down a tale to the younger members of their tribe, reciting the origins and significance of these hand-carved faces. These faces were a means of expressing gratitude to the "sky people" or "aliens." The story revealed that millennia ago, these celestial beings had descended upon their ancestors, telling them profound knowledge and wisdom. They shared the secrets of agriculture, farming, healing, medicinal herbs, prayer, and much more. In the present day, these traditions continue as a way of showing appreciation to the "aliens" or "sky people" for the invaluable wisdom they gave to their community.

Benefits:

• no chemicals glazed onto the pottery
• lots of minerals & vitamins in the soil
• hand carved versus made in a factory 
• adds nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium and sulfur to food & drinks
• clay is alkaline and thus, acts to neutralize the acidity in the food, which makes it easier for us to digest
• cooking in earthen pots is a slow process and involves the use of a minimum amount of oil thereby helping to retain food's natural oil and moisture