Black pottery is a tradition unique to the Zapotec people of Oaxaca. Each piece is hand made without the use of molds. The clay used is particular to the region and is initially brown in color. Most pieces of black pottery are formed by either pinching the clay or using slabs. Once it is formed, the clay is set to dry in the sun. The rough form is smoothed by rubbing a shard of finished clay against the piece. Frequently pieces are engraved (gravado) or cut with a design (colado), an especially time consuming process.

In order to develop the distinctive color, black pottery pieces are wood fired with a minimal amount of oxygen to generate thick black smoke. After firing, a quartz stone is rubbed against the outer surface to give it a finishing sheen.

Black pottery is for ornamental use. Do not use them to hold food or liquids unless described as such

Our selection of Oaxacan black pottery is continually updated in our eBay store.