Adelina Pedro Martínez

San Bartolo Coyotepec,
Oaxaca, México

Barro negro bruñido (polished black clay) is a ceramic art form that has made the state of Oaxaca, Mexico famous. Although threatened by mechanization and the exodus of promising young artists to larger cities, Oaxaca’s indigenous groups and many of its pre-Hispanic cultural traditions persist. These customs are reflected in Oaxaca’s black clay production, in which varying levels of expertise, technique, interpretation and use result in utilitarian, ceremonial and ornamental pottery.

The black clay used by potters in the village where Adelina Pedro Martinez lives and works is harvested from a nearby site that is owned by the village. Most people from the village make their livelihood by engaging in some aspect of hand-made black clay production. The process of polishing or burnishing black clay involves the use of high-quality clay fired in a low-fire pit and then polished with a variety of options. Adelina uses quartz for polishing most of her work, but other materials such as pyrite, bee’s wax, corn cobbs and fabrics, are used to achieve different levels of shine from high gloss to a matte finish. Adelina focuses on imaginative sculptural pieces that require skillful shaping and carving with the use of a variety of homemade tools that have been used for centuries by black clay artists.

Adelina is of Zapotec decent and her barro negro art represents her indigenous identity. The Zapotec civilization dates back 2500 years and continues to have a powerful influence on the life and culture of Oaxaca.  Adelina speaks Spanish as well as the native language of her ancestors.

For Adelina, working with clay brings her peace, offers her a voice as a woman, and keeps alive the Zapotec heritage.