Olinalá

Olinalá
—  Municipal seat and city  —
Olinalá Location in Mexico
Coordinates: 17°50′N 98°51′W / 17.833°N 98.85°W / 17.833; -98.85Coordinates: 17°50′N 98°51′W / 17.833°N 98.85°W / 17.833; -98.85
Country	Mexico
State	Guerrero
Municipality	Olinalá

Olinalá is a city and seat of the municipality of Olinalá, in the state of Guerrero, south-western Mexico.^[1]

Art

Olinalá is located in the state of Guerrero. It is considered the most important center for the production of lacquer in Mexico and for this is known worldwide.

In Olinalá there are artisan workshops that have passed the techniques for lacquer production from generation to generation since pre-Hispanic times. The wide variety of products made using these techniques ranges from products of everyday use, such as chests, folding screens, trays, to the famous “cajitas de Olinalá”, small lacquered boxes. These crafts are part of a long and laborious process that involves approximately 29 steps.

There are different techniques involved in the decoration of these works: golden on the lacquered wood is made with a very fine paintbrush made of cat hair. The “rayado vaciado” with two layers of lacquer; the “rayado punteado” and traditional decorations with bright colors. Each work is let dry for various days before applying the last step: a varnish with linseed oil.

The motifs in the decorations also vary. Generally, they are nature themes, and can range from flowers, foliages and landscapes to animals, with a strong preference for the rabbit. The result is a perfectly finished work, of lively colors and entirely unique.

References

1. ^ Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía. Principales resultados por localidad 2005 (ITER). Retrieved on December 23, 2008