Characteristics Latin American Folk Art

Characteristics Latin American folk art is among the richest and most varied in the world, encompassing many different art forms, using the most diverse materials and incorporating expressions of indigenous, colonial and African cultures. Traditional pre-Columbian crafts such as textiles and ceramics, while maintaining much of their original identity, now incorporate modern materials such as aniline dyes and acrylic paints. Countries with a high percentage of indigenous populations such as Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia and Mexico have deep-rooted textile traditions. Even today many indigenous groups are identified by the textiles they produce, although today they tend to use artificial rather than natural dyes. The Huichol people of Mexico make paintings with colored thread and beads, and masks in numerous styles are part of the styles and rituals of the people of the region.1
All kinds of household items serve a utilitarian as well as decorative role, including glazed ceramics, lacquered pots, baby rattles, carved horn combs, and embroidered tortilla covers. Even sugar is molded into skulls in Mexico for the Day of the Dead.