From Mexico to Central Africa: Bark Paper & Bark Cloth
10:30am-12:00pm Amate making live demonstration
The Art of Amate Paper in San Pablito
Amate paper is an ancient craft passed down since pre-Hispanic times by the Maya, Aztec, and Otomí cultures. In the beautiful mountain village of San Pablito, artisans like Julio Laja Chichicaxtle make amate from the bark of the Jonote tree through a careful process of harvesting, cooking, washing, drying, and shaping the fibers by hand using volcanic stones and traditional techniques. Each sheet celebrates the community’s cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and enduring connection to nature.
Papel Amate Otomi de Mexico is a family business created 25 years ago, by Julio Laja Chichicaxtle and his wife Cirila Trejo Gonzalez. After 10 years of making amate, the family started selling handmade embroidered tablecloths: “Tenango” embroidery is also a traditional craft in this part of Mexico. It is a collective process that has been passed down from generations. “The crafts were taught to us by our grandmothers, because they are the ones who embroidered in the community and made their own clothes, as for the designs they are influenced by nature. ”
These crafts are a main source of work in the town and provide an avenue for youth to know and carry on their culture.
1:30pm-3:00pm Ugandan Bark Cloth presentation and discussion
The Unesco -designated ancient craft of making Bark Cloth in Uganda
Bark cloth in Uganda is made from the bark of Ficus Natalensis or the “Mutuba Tree”. When harvested, it’s bark is handcrafted by skilled artisans into a material called bark cloth, or “Olubugo” as it is known to the people of Uganda. Bark cloth holds a very high cultural significance to the nation and people of Uganda, and to this day, is still worn by Buganda kings for official functions.
Our second presentation will be by Ms. Ritah Nakandi formed the Afri-Root Collective, which is a socially responsible business that sells exquisite artwork from various talented and highly skilled artisans in East Africa. Her business is devoted to curating a beautiful selection of handcrafted items made from the Olubugo (bark cloth). A portion from each sale at the Afri-Root Collective is reinvested toward training others, especially women, to learn skills and work towards sustainability.
We encourage you to sign up for both events to learn from these 2 important invited guests! Both events are family friendly.
each event is $15.00/person or $30.00 for both.
Please note:
If you have any questions, please reach out to theartannexri@gmail.com or call Paper Connection: Monday – Thursday (401) 454-1436.