SKU:MXLACE-TURQUEZA
The word amate derives from amatl, the Nahuatl word for paper. Mayan and
Aztec Indians painted on amate paper to create codices (accordion folded
books) depicting stories, historical events and even astrology. The
Otomi people still use amate paper today for creating cutout figures for
religious ceremonies while other village artisans use it for Mexican
folk art depicting colorful urban scenes, festivals and celebrations.
The paper is created from the bark of the amate wild fig tree (xalama),
the nettle tree (jonote), and mulberry (moral). Each type of bark
produces a different tone of color, ranging from coffee browns to
silvery whites. The pulp from these barks are often combined to produce a
swirling marble effect. The artisans first wash the bark, then boil it
in a solution of lime juice for several hours, and lay strips on a
wooden board. They beat the strips until they fuse together to form the
desired texture, then dry them in the sun. This acid free paper is a
wonderful choice for use in fine art including painting, ink and pastel
drawings, crafts, invitations, cards, decoration and bookbinding.
This sample was scanned with a black background.