Amate is an ancient tradition of paper making from Mexico, made from the pulp of the fig and mulberry trees. To make amate, the outer tree bark is peeled and the inner bark is boiled and soaked in water overnight, then beaten with a smooth flat stone until it becomes pulp.
Is amate a paper?
Amate is an ancient tradition of paper making from Mexico, made from the pulp of the fig and mulberry trees.
What is Mexican amate?
Amate, from the Nahuatl word amatl (paper), is a type of craft paper with the appearance of a fibrous vegetal sheet. Its artisan manufacturing requires the use of bark from various kinds of trees. The elaboration and use of amate paper have their origin in pre-Hispanic times.
What kind of paper did the Aztecs use?
Amate paper
How is the amate paper being used now?
Mexico City artists began to incorporate the paper into their art and the Mexican government publicized and promoted the unique indigenous craft. Today, most households in San Pablito are involved in paper-making and the craft provides a vital source of income for local families.
What does amate art represent?
Amate bark painting is a Mexican folk art developed in the state of Puebla, but today it is mainly practiced in the state of Guerrero. The process involves both the creating of the bark paper and the painting of it, which is often done to depict brightly colored scenes of daily life, history, or nature.
What was Papel Amate used for?
Amate paper was extensively produced and used for both communication, records, and ritual during the Triple Alliance; however, after the Spanish conquest, its production was mostly banned and replaced by European paper. Amate paper production never completely died, nor did the rituals associated with it.
Why is amate art important?
As long as humans have existed, art has been an important part of social culture. Teaching children about the folk art of other cultures helps us to appreciate what people from around the world consider valuable and beautiful.
What is amate used for?
It was used primarily to create codices. Amate paper was extensively produced and used for both communication, records, and ritual during the Triple Alliance; however, after the Spanish conquest, its production was mostly banned and replaced by European paper.