Editing Oaxaca (section)

===Handicrafts===
{{main|Oaxaca handcrafts and folk art}}
[[File:LgCantaroJarMEAPO2.JPG|thumb|left|Barro negro pottery at the state crafts museum]]
Because of its indigenous tradition and abundance of raw materials, Oaxaca is a leading producer of [[Mexican handcrafts and folk art|handcrafts in Mexico]]. Handcrafted items here are noted for their variety and quality. Oaxacan handcrafts are traditionally made with wood, wool, clay and leather and are sold in many venues from local [[tianguis]] markets to upscale international stores. The best-known wood craft is the making of "[[alebrije]]" figures, which are usually miniature, brightly colored real or imaginary animals. These were originally created from paper and cardboard in Mexico City, but this craft was adapted to native Oaxacan woodcarving to the form it has today. Carver [[Manuel Jiménez (artist)|Manuel Jiménez]] of [[Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán|Arrazola]] is credited with the creating of the Oaxacan version of this craft. Other wood crafts include the making of masks, toys and utensils. Major woodcarving areas include [[San MartínTilcajete]] and Arrazola.<ref name="atraccul">{{cite web |url=http://www.e-local.gob.mx/work/templates/enciclo/oaxaca/ |title=Atractivos Culturales y Turísticos |year=2009 |work=Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México Estado de Oaxaca |publisher=Instituto Nacional para el Federalismo y el Desarrollo Municipal |location=Mexico |language=es |trans-title=Cultural and Tourist Attractions |access-date=August 15, 2010 |archive-date=January 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110091824/http://www.e-local.gob.mx/work/templates/enciclo/oaxaca/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="rincones4044">Akaike, pp. 40–44</ref>

[[File:Alebrijes in Oaxaca, Mexico 2009.jpg|thumb|Alebrijes at the Pochote Market in Oaxaca]]

Pottery has a long tradition that extends into the pre-Hispanic period. Oaxaca shares many pottery types with other parts of Mexico along with two of its own: [[barro negro pottery|barro negro]] and the [[green glazed pottery of Atzompa]]. The first is centered in the town of [[San Bartolo Coyotepec]] near the capital city. This pottery gets its color from the local clay used to make it and its shine from a technique developed by Doña Rosa Nieto in the mid-20th century. The Atompa green-glazed ware is made much the same way it was in colonial times, although there have been some recent innovations with color and decorative techniques. This pottery is found in [[Santa María Atzompa]], near Oaxaca city.<ref name="atraccul"/>

Another major craft category is textiles. Textiles from cotton and other fibers date to early in the pre-Hispanic period on backstrap looms. This form of weaving has been dominated by women since that time. The Spanish introduced the wide European frame loom, which is mostly used by men. Traditional clothing items such as [[huipil]]s are still made on backstrap looms, while the European looms are used to produce larger and heavier items such as rugs, [[sarape]]s and blankets, notably in the village of [[Teotitlán del Valle]]. Other items are produced with cotton fibers, although some [[Furcraea|maguey]] fibers can be found, while palm fronds are used to produce mats and hats. Embroidery is an important part of indigenous clothing, especially for women. One municipality noted for its indigenous and embroidered clothing is [[Santo Tomás Jalietza]], just south of the city of Oaxaca. The Xochimilco neighborhood of the capital is known for its embroidered tablecloths, napkins and other tableware.<ref name="rincones43">Akaike, p. 43</ref>

[[File:Artesana elaborando rodete de hoja de plátano en Tavehua, Oaxaca.jpg|thumb|left|Craftswoman making banana leaf bun in Tavehua, Oaxaca.]]
Both precious and non-precious metals are worked in the state. Many gold and silver jewelry items are made with [[filigree]] (fine metal thread) which is weaved and wrapped into shapes. This technique is Arab in origin and was introduced by the Spanish. The municipalities of [[Santo Domingo Tehuantepec]], [[Juchitán de Zaragoza]] and [[Huajuapan de León]] are known for this work. Other metals, especially iron, are forged into utilitarian and decorative items in places such as [[Santiago Jamiltepec]] and [[Tlacolula de Matamoros]]. Items produced include mirrors, frames, figures, knives, machetes and more.<ref name="atraccul"/><ref name="rincones4244">Akaike, pp. 42–44</ref>