Tarahumara Jug (Vessel) Very Early 1900

Description

This is a wonderful artifact.
The creation of this pottery was produced and fashioned by the Tarahumara peoples in the late 1800s or early 1900s as characterized by the form of the flat bottom.
This gorgeous Copper Canyon earthenware was probably made for “rail-tourists” of that time.
Amazingly this “jugs” superb workmanship has weathered the test of time with flying colors as a testament in this creation.
(It is watertight and useful in the backyard.)
Authentic ancient pride in creating such artwork was alive and well before the popularity made it a commercialized production. This sturdy vessel continues to fulfill its purpose of holding and pouring a gallon of liquid.
It has dimensions of approximately 13-inches in height with a 9-inch diameter.
Of course, extra care in packing to preserve this special piece of history is a must.
The legend of the Tarahumara:
The
Rarámuri
or
Tarahumara
are a group of indigenous people of the Americas
living in the state of Chihuahua
in Mexico and the last “most traditional people living in North America.”
They are renowned for their long-distance running ability and chief crafts of Pottery and Basket Weaving.
Many now produced to be sold in the curio markets of border towns.
The area of the Sierra Madre Occidental which they now inhabit is often called the Sierra Tarahumara because of their presence after fleeing in the 1600’s from the Spanish conquering their fertile lowlands.
2006 Estimates put the Rarámuri population at between 50,000 and 70,000 people. Most still practice their traditional lifestyle.
Their Staple crops are corn and beans
; however, many of the Rarámuri still practice transhumance,
raising
cattle, sheep, and goats. Almost all Rarámuri migrate with the seasons.
The remote terrain of the Sierra Madre has long served as a refuge of the Tarahumara. However, roads and tourism have expanded, bringing opportunities for some but problems for others. Ironically, the themselves seldom have sought this publicity.
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In the 1800s, a railway invaded
Rarámuri countryside in the high Sierra Madre mountains
where the people lived much as they do today in traditional caves, overhangs and 1 room log shelters.
The railway advertised the traditional culture of the area and tourism blossomed.
It is indeed a sad and common legacy, but traditional artisans fortunately produced special pieces such as this one early into the exploitation.