Mexican Wholesale

Mexican Bicentennial and Centennial Celebration

Throughout 2010 Mexico will celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial Celebration. This celebration is for its 200 year Independence from Spain. Also, they will be celebrating its’ 100 anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 that toppled Dictator Porfirio Diaz.

The official countdown for these two Centennials began on September 16, 2010. Earlier this year President Felipe Calderon placed the first cornerstone for ‘El Arco del Bicentenario (Bicentennial Arch) on the ‘Paseo De La Reforma’ (Mexico’s equivalent of Les Champs Elysees) where Mexico will commemorate two hundred years of Independence. Very similar will be its celebration of the 100 year or Centennial of Mexican Independence.

The Mexican Bicentennial celebration is for the independence from Spain, the country that had control over the territory of New Spain, (Mexico.)The people were fueled by thee centuries of oppression and sparked by a call to revolt a by well respected Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo. The first call to arms was made in the village Dolores in the state of Guanajuato.  The rebellion rutted the indigenous Indians and the diverse mestizo groups against the privileged class of Spaniards and pushed them into a brutal and bloody battle for freedom from Spain.

On September 16, 1810 Miguel Hidalgo mad a monumental decision that would transform the course of Mexican history. Within hours Miguel Hidalgo ordered the arrest of the Dolores’ native Spaniards. Then he rang the church bell as he normally did to call the Indians to mass. The message that he gave the Indians and the meztizos called them to retaliate against the hated Gachupines, the native Spaniards who had oppressed and demoralized the Mexican people for ten generations.

A movement toward Mexican independence had already been in progress since the conquest of Napolean of Spain. Hidalgo’ fervent declaration was a hasty, unplanned decision on his part. Hidalgo made the most momentous decision in his life, one that manifested the first struggle for Mexican independence and would recognize Hidalgo as the national hero of the revolution.

Every year at midnight on September 15, Mexicans led by the president of Mexico shout the “Grito”, honoring the crucial and impulsive action that was the catalyst for the country’s bloody struggle for independence from Spain. There will be a Bicentennial Celebration in Mexico in the year 2010 like none in Mexico has ever seen.

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Guachimontones is a part of Mexico’s culture and history  that was once a lost world. It is  located 40  kilometers West of Guadalajara. This site is over 2,000 years old and the architectural style is unique to the region and in the world. Guachimontones is one of the most impressive archeological sites ever seen. The characteristic that distinguishes this pyramid from the rest of the cultures of Mesoamerica is its unusual architectural style defined by ceremonial centers in the form of concentric circles. Their formal circular architecture , which is incomparable  to any pyramid in Mexico and the throughout the world,  is located in the center of the Tequila Valleys, and is the largest and most complex site in the world. These are the Guachamimontones, The Lost World.

Guachimontones Pyramid has only been excavated for the past ten years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The discovery of these circular structures has caused great admiration and has created a new scope and expectation towards the outlook and research of one of the first civilizations in all of Mesoamerica. This archeological site also seems to be the parting point of this forgotten link to Western Mexican Cultures and histor.

In the surrounding areas of Teuchitian Mexico, a great number of artifacts made of  ‘obsidian’ (a material that was utilized for the production of art pieces during the pre-Hispanic era,) have been discovered. This complex, highly organized society began in western Mexico in 1000BC and reached it pinnacle in 200 AD. It was discovered that Teuchitlan had been a metropolis of sorts which housed around 25,000 people who were fed by produce from hundreds of ‘shinampas,’ where small agricultural islands were irrigated by an ingenious system of canals, dams and floodgates.  Their economy was booming as they traded in salt from the flats of Sayula and more importantly, they were situated next to the third largest ‘obsidian’ deposit in the world. They controlled more than 1,000 ‘obsidian’ mines from which some 14,000 tons of the precious volcanic glass were extracted.

The Teuchitlan’s workshops were full of skilled craftsmen who fashioned the ‘obsidian’ into knives, spear heads, mirrors of extraordinary quality, unique ultra thin earrings and flat bladed swords call ‘macahuitls’ that were capable of chopping off an enemy’s leg or a horse’s head with one blow. Since this society was without any hard metals, they believed that  ‘obsidian’ was the very gift of the gods.

In  ‘Guachimontones-The Lost World,’ ‘the Teuchitlan the men often played a ball game of skill and at the end of the day, the captain of the winning team of the ‘Teuchitlans,’ would receive the great honor of loosing his life as a sacrificial victim. Answers to questions abut the ‘Teuchitlans can be found in 25 ‘maquetas,’ clay models found buried in various sites that were under the influence of the Teuchitlan tradition. Found were extraordinary works of art that are about 2,000 years old that reveal what the curious circular architecture was typically used for. These little clay figures give us a three-dimensional look at people chattering with their neighbors, carrying on with business or playing everyday games.

The people of Teuchitlan worshiped Ehecatl, a gentle god, who did not need human sacrifice. Unlike the Aztecs whose ceremonies resulted in rivers of blood coursing down the sides of their pyramids, the god of the people of ‘Teuchitlan’ was  a kind god.

Other than their unusual architecture, another Teuchitlan custom that is well known is their distinctive way of decorating their ceramic pieces, a process now referred to as ‘pseudo-cloisonne.’ After firing up the pot, they would roughen its surface and apply ‘ahaute’, a mixture of charcoal, oil of sage seed and a glue-like substance from the ‘camote ‘ tuber. When the black coating was almost dry, they would carve out certain areas and fill them with bright colors made from inorganic materials such as ‘azurite’  and red ochre, leaving the raised chaute as a black border. Many of these ceramic pieces display a glimpse similar to those found in Mexico’s famous codices, which indicates that the innumerable ceramic pieces spirited out of western Mexico probably contain a wealth of priceless information.

The bright light of the Teuchitlan traditions began to dim around 500 AD for reasons that may never be known. For unknown reasons, a day came when every building around the circular pyramids was burned to the ground. This indicated an abrupt end to the enigmatic civilization of the ‘Teuchitlans,’ of Mexico.

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Mexican 'Sarapes' (Authentic Mexican Wool Blanket)

Shopping in Mexico is always great, but the experience of shopping in the ‘tianguis’ of Mexico(Mexican street market) is unsurpassed. The ‘tianguis’ became famous in pre-Columbian times. During pre-Columbian times the ‘tianguis’ were stationary bazaars. They became popular because or their size and large variety of produce. Since then, the traveling ‘tianguis’ has developed with its own distinct enhancement to keep the market place conveniently close to the inhabitants of Mexico’s largest cities as well as the smaller towns.

The streets are magically transformed into jovial ‘tianguis.’ Their roofs are pink, yellow and other gaily colored fabric. They begin to come into view at their peripatetic destination at about 7:00 AM  with their bundles of metal truss, crossbeams and wooden planks all of which are magically converted into a maze of impermanent stands. By 9:00 Am., the streets are transformed into a bazaar of stalls that wave with everything from produce to Mexican blankets to ninja turtles. The ‘tianguis’ will set up one day every two weeks at the same location. They (vendors) come with trucks filled with pots, Mexican blankets, pillows, rugs, clothing, electronics and just about everything and anything you could want.

The quality of the Mexican blankets and most products varies according to the region. In prosperous areas one can select from blushing fruit and fresh vegetables while the less prosperous areas are limited to seasonal domestic products.

The families who work the open area markets are part of a loosely organized and informal commercial association. Each ‘tianguis’ has its own leader who is responsible for assigning each vendor his place and who secures the necessary permission from the local government for setting up the market in the public thoroughfare. The vendor in turn pays their leader a daily quota for the privilege of doing business with the group. The price varies according to the location of the stall and the location of the ‘tianguis’.

For those of you who are new to Mexican shopping, I am happy to share pertinent information on Mexican shopping at the ‘tianguis,’

• Most importantly, take lots of small bills or change as most vendors will have change for no more than $50.00
• Look for bargains on everything, specially produce and fresh flowers
• Buying meat is not recommended

Getting products to the ‘tianguis’ is not always easy. Most vendors of produce and food items are up way before dawn, scouring the wholesale warehouse districts looking for bargains. The more fortunate families load up the family pickup but the more humble merchants are forced to cart their wares in bicycle driven carts, taxi, bus or a hired truck.

This distinctive  blend of pre-Columbian tradition and modern day practicality make the ‘tianguis’ a wonderful and enjoyable shopping experience which would leave you with unique and exceptional memories.

If you still don’t have the feeling and comfort that comes when sitting in your favorite spot, under a  beautiful, warm Mexican blanket , as you enjoy watching the snow storm outside, just let me know and  I am more than happy to send some to you at a special price.

Mexican 'Sarapes' (Authentic Mexican Wool Blanket)

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What is it about Mexican Needlework Artistry (also called punto de cruz or cross stitch) which is the traditional needlecraft in the state of Michoacan Mexico that make it such a sought after Mexican Artistry? One reason could be filament through the fabric surrounded by needlepoint, such as a flower with shades of violet, magenta and lavender with an aqua and maroon background signifying the shades of the seasons and perhaps the seasons of life of the person behind the needlework artistry.

Artisans purchase “guanego”-a white cotton blouse- and adorn them with flowers in needlepoint also called “punto de cruz” – cross stitch- around the neckline. They nudge flowers into existence as though leading a blank breadth of nothingness to the edge of a sheer cliff where it dives deliciously into high-spirited colors.

Cocucho, Michoacan, Mexico is well known for its elegant clay pots but has also earned a reputation for its Mexican needlework artistry.  The greatest challenge of the craft presents itself when the borders are made for the different panels of color. They have to count how many lines and then start making the cross stitch. They make blouses, dresses, men’s shirts, aprons, napkins, and rebozos. Most artisans prefer not to use the same design twice. They finish one design and start with another one.

The hands of many artisans defy the pestilence of time, and awaken yet another piece of fabric from its slumber. One of the most popular items of the Mexican Needlework Artistry is the “Guanengos.” Guanengos are blouses which require three to four months to complete.

While abundant flourishes of violet, magenta, orange, mauve, ocean blue and opulent green rush in torrents across the guanengos of today, they haven’t always commanded such visual importance. The more colorful designs began on the scene in the 1980’s.

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Mexico’s Culture and History

Mexico’s Culture and History is filled with romance and drama and it has many historical attractions. There are the ancient ruins of the Olmecs, Maya and Aztec. Also there are the train routes used by the legendary Pancho Villa. These are the main reasons, second only to the beaches of Cancun and Acapulco that people come to Mexico. You may ask “why,” and the reason is because of the tale of Mexico’s past, and also by an overwhelming amount of physical remains, that are as romantic, dramatic, blood-curling and complex as it gets.

Sometime around 1000 BC, Mexico’s fist ancient civilizations, the Olmecs, recognized themselves in what now are the states of Veracruz and Tabasco. They built citys and constructed massive stone head carvings of their jaguar God, which they worshiped. They spread throughout southern and central Mexico until they mysteriously disappeared around 400 B.C. The Olmecs left behind moderately few artifacts yet their influence on later cultures deep. After the Olmecs came the Zapotecs, the Teotihuacan and mixtures of Monte Alban, The Toltecs, Maya of Yucatan, and several other smaller groups. To stabilize the spiritual and earthly dominion and pacify their pantheons of gods, many of these civilizations practiced human sacrifice, which is something that often overshadows their great achievements in astronomy, mathematics, architecture, textile weaving, art and pottery. The latter being a very big part in the reproduction and exporting of Mexican Goods. As you can see, Mexico’s Culture and History still captivates the minds of many

None of Mexico’s pre-Columbian civilizations is more told than that of the Aztecs. There were other civilizations in Mexico that achieved greater artistic teats but non advanced as quickly or ruled as much territory. They were a trivial tribe living on the edge of Lake Texcoco, which is modern day Mexico City. By 1473 they had conquered neighboring tribes. The Aztecs had a highly codified government with an all-powerful emperor.

The Spanish adventurer Hernan Cortez arrived in 1519 landing in the state of Vera Cruz, about 200 miles from the Aztec capital. The only mission for Cortez was to defeat the Aztecs and take their gold. This was a great and tragic time of the history of Mexico. The then emperor of the Aztecs died in a prison in his own palace.

This is a very small part of Mexico’s Culture and History. The beauty of their skills, attractions, romance, beaches and much more are just a part of what Mexico offers visitors and tourists.

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Mexican Wrought Iron Candlehlder

Wrought iron, tin and pewter are some of the Mexican metal arts that will help you transform any room in your house into a beautiful Southwestern retreat.

Mexican rustic wrought iron accessories is one of the most popular materials used to accent rustic or Southwest décor because of its’ beauty and strength. Wrought iron accessories can include ornate candelabras, iron candleholders, floor and table lamps, chandeliers, plate racks, pot stands and many more iron home accessories.

Mexican aged tin and natural tin are also very popular when it comes to Mexican metal arts. There is a wide variety of Mexican metal arts and crafts that will dramatically accent your home or rustic cabin. Aged tin includes tin lamp shades, decorative switch plates, rustic tin table lamps, tin star lights, decorative mirrors, wall sconces, rustic picture frames, tin accents, hanging lights and fixtures, Mexican crosses and so much more.

Mexican natural tin includes beautiful home accessories produced by meticulous craftsmen. Any room can be accentuated with natural tin switch plates, natural tin accents and natural tin mirrors. Also you can very easily give your garden a touch of the Southwest by adding a couple of galvanized tin accessories.

Another Mexican metal craft  that is popular is pewter. It is wonderful for home accenting. Pewter crafts make great gifts. Better yet, you can enjoy the exquisite beauty and craftsmanship yourself. Mexican pewter is a non-toxic alloy of aluminum and the tableware pieces can be used for preparation and serving. Each piece is sand-casted by hand and polished by skilled metal craft artisans.

We can’t forget Mexican bronze accents. The bronze accents include animal accents and surfaces, door knockers and belts, Patina bronze door handles & pulls, decorative nail heads and much more.

There is so much to pick from when it comes to Mexican Metal Arts. You can transform your own home with a little help. You can start with a few accents for one room at a time. Before you realize, you have transformed you home with a little Southwest décor. Let me know if I can help you out, I’d be happy to.  Enjoy your Mexican retreat.

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