| San Bartolo Coyotepec is a market town
just south of Oaxaca City in the Central
Valley. The town's artisans are world famous for their black
pottery (barro negro).
'Coyotepec' is derived from the words coyotl (coyote) and tepetl
(hill), and translates as 'on the hill of the coyote.'
CRAFTS
There are several dozen stores located on both sides of the highway
and a market that features the work of 14 families.
Prices range from three to five pesos for whistles and key chains
to several hundred pesos for the larger pots. Note that the pottery
is not glazed and there is no danger of lead poisoning.
On the southern side of the highway a road leads to Alfareria Doña
Rosa on Benito Juárez #24, the workshop of the late artist
whose exceptional work won international acclaim.
CULTURE
The Museum of
Popular Art of the State of Oaxaca (MEAPO) opened in October
2004. The museum is located next to the city hall and within easy
walking distance of the craft market. MAPO is open from 10am-6pm
Tuesday-Sunday. Admission: 20 pesos.
Just outside of town is the Cochineal
Bug Educational Center. Learn how the tiny bug was so important
to the local economy ... and how its use as a natural dye is being
developed today.
The church is located on the east side of the highway.
|
