"Fútbol" Handicrafts

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about the impressive exhibit of Mexican pottery and ceramics in the courtyard of the Palace of Iturbide.  I alluded to the fact that there was going to be another exhibit upstairs related to soccer.  This was not going to be a collection of memorabilia from past World Cups.  Instead it was a display of traditional Mexican handicrafts and popular art with the theme of "fútbol".

The colonial era Palace of Iturbide is the the headquarters of the "Fomento Cultural" division of Banamex (the Bank of Mexico).  The goal of the "Fomento Cultural" is to promote Mexico's cultural traditions.  In anticipation of the year's World Cup, Banamex sent invitations to artisans and creators of popular art to participate in the "Popular Art Cup" with works that reflect Mexico's love of soccer.

The response was amazing.  877 pieces from 29 of Mexico's 32 states were submitted to the contest.  The works are on display in the three cities in Mexico which will host World Cup games... Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

You know that I love Mexican handicrafts, so this exhibit for me was more fun than the pottery show downstairs.

Here are some of the entries...

The city of Metepec in the State of Mexico is famous for it clay sculptures known as "Trees of Life".  This one is a tree of "fútbol'.

It is accompanied by several smaller pieces, including this one which depicts the ballgame of pre-Hispanic Mexico.

This group of clay figures from the state of Michoacán represents a soccer game, complete with a stand full of cheering fans.

However, the members of one of the teams are all devils.

This bus, modeled from clay, is also from Metepec.  It is full of soccer fans... perhaps on their way to the World Cup.

This painting with a soccer theme is done on bark paper.  It is from the state of Guerrero.

This soccer ball carved from obsidian is from the town of San Martín de las Pirámides, located near the archaeological site of Teotihuacan.  Since pre-Hispanic times obsidian has been mined in the region.

Soccer players decorate this piece of pottery from the state of Guerrero.

This sculpture carved from copal wood is from San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, the town famous for its "alebrijes".  It shows a soccer player as an eagle.

Humorous figures of skeletons have long been a part of Mexico's Day of the Dead tradition.  Here, these papier maché skeletons from Mexico City are playing soccer.  Notice that the referee is a devil.

Another clay Tree of Life from Metepec.  This one is unpainted, and honors Mexico and its participation in the World Cup.

This wooden soccer ball from the state of Hidalgo is incrusted with abalone and mother of pearl shell.

This soccer ball, inscribed with traditional designs of the Zapotec tribe, is an example of the famous black pottery of Oaxaca.

Yet another Tree of Life from Metepec

Another painting on bark paper from the state of Guerrero depicts a local soccer match.

More to come from this delightful exhibit...