Using different elements such as clay, wood, vegetable products and natural fibers, Campeche's inhabitants bring marvelous figures to life elegantly blending the modern with the traditional, accomplishing gorgeous and completely original creations you can take home as a perfect souvenir of your visit to this interesting state.
Apart from a socio-cultural manifestation of the very diverse communities of Campeche, handicrafts are a permanent income method for dozens of families. That is the reason why a wide handicraft-inventory that holds the most precious customs and traditions of Campeche's inhabitants, can be found all over the state.
Traditional Pottery
Perhaps one of the most remarkable legacies inherited by the Campeche people from their Mayan ancestors is the delicate art of turning clay into fascinating figures that are beautiful to the sight. Generation over generation the secrets of the magic needed to mold the clay have been passed on and kept by these people. To develop this handcrafts an ancient Mayan wheel is used, it is formed by a chunk of secular wood that is turned by the artisans with their feet, while they mold gorgeous ornamental and practical objects with their hands.
Textiles
Finely interweaving gorgeous multicolor dreads, Campeche knitters slowly create detailed figures over the fabric, making exact replicas of nature itself in every stitch and with every new combination of colors. Campeche knitters put their very lives and souls in every new creation, choosing elements from the flora and fauna to help them capture their ideas in a very precise way and place them on the fabric. To behold the creation of these textiles is to become a witness of an art that has been preserved through centuries of tradition.
Bone Carving
Brooches, earrings, collars and many other pieces of exceptional beauty are created carving bull horns. Campeche artisans use this material to create gorgeous figures carved with great sensibility and skillfulness. When you decide to do some Campeche shopping, you should not forget to ask for this kind of handcrafts, since they would be a lovely souvenir to take home with you.
Natural Fiber
The fabulous jipi palm hats are made inside natural caverns or even inside caverns that have been dig exclusively for the purpose of this activity. The humidity and temperature of the interior of these caverns facilitate the management of the fiber, giving the artisans the chance to use all of their manual skillfulness in the creation of these gorgeous pieces.
Woodworks
The hands of the people from Campeche do magic with wood, from a simple piece they can create a fabulous work of art, furthermore when the artisan combines it with other materials such as knit cloth or woven jipi palm, blending in one piece, the magnificence of nature and the genius of the Campeche artisan.
Tukulna
At Campeche's Historic Center you will find the Handcraft House Tukulna (House of the Thought), a gorgeous building that was restored in 1993. Traditional handcrafts of the state that hold a great cultural and traditional value are showed here, these pieces compel respect and appreciation.
Tepakan pottery, hammock weaving, jipi palm hats and some other jipi palm articles, are just some of the examples of the many things you will find when you visit Campeche. This is without a doubt, one of the most recommendable to go Campeche shopping, since you will find here all sorts of handicrafts and typical products of the region.
Handcrafts Bazaar
If you like handcrafts, this is the perfect place to spend a whole evening shopping! At the Bazaar you will find from cute, small earrings made from coconut shell and bracelets made from different kinds of seeds, to the most complex figures carved in bone or wood. Lamps, clothes, picture frames and many other things you can take home with you as souvenirs of your trip to this beautiful city.
Plaza Girasol
Plaza Girasol is a small shopping and dining center. It is an excellent choice for those who want to get a closer look to the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the beautiful city of Campeche.