Amate

This sheet of paper is called barkcloth, or amate in the Nahua language of Mexico. Origin myths, stories about lineage, military conquests, religious beliefs, trade and commerce have been communicated on colourful paper sheets, records and books for over 800 years. Cloth made from bark fibres even longer. This item was made for sale for tourists travelling in modern day Mexico, a tradition that has continued despite the many changes indigenous cultures have experienced in Mexico and Central America. It is an important tradition that contributes to the development of local economies. Depicted on this sheet are hand painted birds and flowers, which are based on paintings normally found on ceramics.

Object Summary

Accession Loan No.
27/2003/1
Category
Ethnography
Collection Class
Art non religious figures
Collection Area Region
CENT
Material
barkcloth (amate)plant dyes
Common Name
amate
Simple Name
paper
Production County
Guerrero
Production Country
Mexico
Production Year High
1960s

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barkcloth sheet