Crafts
All the states in Mexico have a particular craft that characterizes that region and Guerrero is no exception.
This activity is a part of daily life and hundreds of Guerreran families count on these hand-made objects for their daily bread. This type of art takes on various forms and uses many different colors and raw materials.
Silverwork
The most traditional and well-known craft in this area is silverwork. Craftsmen create many different pieces from this precious and decorative metal. Silverwork is so prominent here that there is even a Silver Museum in Taxco.
Lacquers
A popular craft in Olinalá, Temalcalcingo, Ocotepec and Acapetlahuaya is lacquered wood pieces. These objects include boxes, trunks, large chests, trays, masks, cups, bowls, frames, jewelry boxes, and screens. The main lacquering techniques are called “rayos” and “dorado”.
Pottery
Pottery is one of the more traditional crafts in many parts of the state. Most of the pottery here is still made in a rudimentary way, molded in mud and hand-painted, giving it a unique and authentic style. The most common ceramic objects are pots, pitchers, jars, cajetes, candlesticks, and figures of people, animals, etc. The best quality pottery is produced in the central valley region in Zacoalpan, Nuitzalapa, Atzacualoya, Tixtla, Zumpango del Río and Huitzuco.
Textiles
One of the principle items made in Guerrero is known as the “huipil” in Xochistlahuaca. “Huipils” consist of a rectangle woven vertically from one or more strips or bands to form a close fitting tunic with sleeves that stop just below the elbow. Other common textile crafts include shawls, quilts and tablecloths made in Chilapa.
The people of Mixteca and Tlapaneca weave course sarapes and gabanes (coats) on rudimentary looms painted with dyes and herbs in bright colors and designs. The best sarapes are made in Amoltepec and the best gray gabanes with red stripes can be found in Malinaltepec.
Other textile products made in the Mountain region or made by the people in the municipality of Chilapa, like the Acatlán, are aprons, blouses, shirts, bajamas, dressing gowns and napkins.
Palm Weaving
Due to the abundance of this material, weaving objects from palm is a craft that has been practiced for generations by the Guerreran people. A variety of objects are made from this natural material like hats, bags, knapsacks, fans, sleeping mats, and animal figures which are a tourist favorite. The municipalities where you are most likely to find these crafts are Chilapa, Morelos, Álvarez and Zaragoza.
Leatherwork
The production of leather articles takes place mainly in San Jerónimo (Costa Grande region), Chilpancingo, Tixtla and Quechultenango (Central Valleys region), Altamirano, Arcelia and Coyuca de Catalán (Tierra Caliente region). These leather crafts include hats, belts, handbags, huaraches and saddles.
