Handicrafts
Ceramics. Ceramics is the most practiced craft in Mexico and dates back thousands of years. Pre-Columbian traditions largely disappeared with the invasion of the Europeans, and most ceramic pieces are the result of a mixture of European techniques and indigenous styles. Jugs, jugs, bowls, replicas of Mayan carvings and other decorative objects are most often made by hand by artisans and can be quite beautiful with their bright colors and patterns, which vary from region to region.
Molinillo. This traditional wooden kitchen utensil is used like a whisk in the preparation of certain hot drinks, especially chocolate. Hand-decorated and made of several rings carved from a single piece of wood, it produces a nice, airy foam. The molinillo is often used to mix the hot drink in a large container, but there are also small ones to froth your hot chocolate in a cup or pan.
Hammock. The hammock is a real Mexican passion! They are sold all over the country, but it is in Yucatán that they were invented, and Mérida is probably the place where you will find them at the best price. Because the capital of the hammock is Tixkobob, a small town about twenty kilometers east of Merida. You can find hammocks of all sizes and colors. Their price depends on the quality of the weaving and the material used (cotton, nylon or polypropylene).
Alebrijes. Native to the state of Oaxaca, alebrijes are brightly painted wooden sculptures with many details, most often depicting fantastical creatures. They are part of Mexican folklore and can be found in market stalls throughout Mexico.
Clothing and jewellery
Huipils. These are the embroidered tunics worn by indigenous women. This traditional garment was worn by women of all social classes long before the arrival of the conquistadors in the region. Prices vary according to the quality of the sewing. There are some very fine ones in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca.
Guayaberas. These are traditional shirts from the Yucatán region, worn by men in Mexico and many other Latin American countries. Made of cotton, linen or silk for the most opulent, they are decorated with vertical embroidery and have chest and waist pockets.
Hats. Campeche and the Yucatán region sell beautiful hats called jipi, because they are made from fibers extracted from the jipijapa palm; in fact, these are the hats we usually call Panama hats. In the north of the country, the specialty is cowboy hats. The other timeless item is the sombrero charro, the wide straw hat traditionally worn by the mestizo cowboys of central Mexico, but nowadays worn mainly by mariachis.
Tehuana dresses. You'll be familiar with this style of dress, having seen it worn by Frida Kahlo in photos or self-portraits of her. Originating in Tehuantepec, a town in the state of Oaxaca renowned for its matriarchal society, this regional garment is most often loaded with embroidered flowers. It's folkloric and very colorful, we grant you, but certain models with sober motifs or dresses inspired by the Tehuana style can do very well once back in Europe.
Huaraches. These traditional sandals date back to pre-Columbian times and are made of hand-woven leather straps. They were popularized by hippies in the USA in the 1960s. Many sandals are sold under this name, but they are only considered huaraches if they have been made by hand.
Amber jewelry. The village of Simojovel in the state of Chiapas is renowned for its amber production. As a result, both Simojovel and San Cristobal de Las Casas offer amber jewelry at unbeatable prices. But be warned, it's not unusual to find the fakes being sold for the real thing!
Silver jewelry from Taxco. The town of Taxco, in the state of Guerrero, has long been one of Mexico's largest silver mining centers. Although its mines are now depleted, you can still buy beautiful necklaces and bracelets made from the silver mined in the region.
Some sweets
Mezcal. Along with tequila, this is Mexico's emblematic alcoholic beverage. It is made from agave, the typical cactus of Central and South America. The hearts of the agave, called piñas, are cooked for several days in stone ovens dug into the earth and lined with stone. It is this unique cooking method that gives mezcal its distinctive smoky aroma. Over 70% of mezcal production takes place in the state of Oaxaca, but you can buy it absolutely anywhere in the country.
Spices and hot sauces. If you like your food spicy, a trip to Mexico is a good opportunity to stock up on hot sauces, preferably artisanal. They are often sold in small, easy-to-carry bottles. Take the opportunity to bring back spices not easily found in Europe, such asachiote, a red spice with a peppery aroma that is also a powerful natural dye.
Chocolate. Most Mexican chocolate is produced in the states of Tabasco, Chiapas and Oaxaca, but Mexicans are great eaters, so you'll have no trouble finding it wherever you are. Cocoa beans are sometimes enhanced with cinnamon or amaranth. Taste as many as you can and take home your favorite!
Honey. In the Yucatán Peninsula, honey production is an ancestral tradition dating back to the Mayan civilization. The Mayans harvested honey from the stingless bee, the Melipone, long before settlers arrived on the continent. Silkier than the honey we Europeans are used to, melipone honey has a stronger, slightly acidic taste.
