This book serves as both an armchair guide for learning about and enjoying the lore of Oaxaca's folk art, as well as a hands-on guide for those who plan to visit the region and develop their own folk art itineraries.

A mother-daughter team introduces the spectrum of Oaxacan folk arts: ceramics, textiles, woodcarving, metal work, miniatures and toys, jewelry, candles, basketry and dried flower crafts. A chapter on the Day of the Dead highlights its profound influence on many of these classes of folk art.

Celebrating the transmission of artistic traditions from generation to generation in some of the most talented artist families in Oaxaca, 87 outstanding artists belonging to 44 families are featured. Their works, crafted from natural materials, incorporate unique blends of indigenous myths with ancient patterns and techniques, many of which have been preserved for hundreds of years.

Biographical and technical information is illustrated with over 500 glorious color photographs of the artists and their works. A useful resource section includes a list of shops and markets in Oaxaca City and 12 of its surrounding pueblos, maps locating the artists' homes, family trees, and a glossary of frequently-used terms that apply to these folk arts.