The pottery of Metepec is that of a municipality in central Mexico, located near Mexico City. It is noted for durable utilitarian items but more noted for its decorative and ritual items, especially sculptures called “trees of life,” decorative plaques in sun and moon shapes and mermaid like figures called Tlanchanas. Metepec potters such as the Soteno family have won national and international recognition for their work and the town hosts the annual Concurso Nacional de Alfarería y Cerámica.
Traditional Tree of Life sculpture
Pots and other utensils at a market in Metepec
Sun shaped plaques on the wall of the main church in Metepec
Israel Soteno putting finishing touch on clay sculpture at an opening in the Cafe La Vid in Metepec
Metepec is a municipality in the State of Mexico in Mexico and is located directly to the east of the state capital, Toluca, at an altitude of 2,635 metres (8,645 ft) above sea level. The center of Mexico City lies some 50 km further to the east. The city of Metepec also form part of the Greater Toluca. The name Metepec comes from Náhuatl meaning hill of the agave plants. However, it is also known in the Matlatzinca language as "Nepinta-Tuhi" meaning 'people of corn land' and in the Otomi language as "Ntaguada".
Panoramic view of Metepec
Arbol de la Vida, handcraft.
Municipal Headquarters, Metepec
San Juan Bautista Parish.