Tree of life/ Arbol de la

Vida

Origins
The creation of Trees of Life is part of the ceramic

traditions of central Mexico.

After the Spanish conquest, priests destroyed

artworks, including ceramics, which depicted the

old gods, and replaced them with images of saints
and other Christian icons.
The tree of life in paintings and other mediums

was introduced as a way to evangelize Biblical

stories to the native population.

 In the old days, these were a traditional gift for

newlyweds as a symbol of fertility and abundance.

During most of the colonial period, ceramics in Mexico

were mostly produced for self-consumption.

Ceramics became a fusion of Spanish and indigenous

techniques and designs. It remained so until the first

half of the 20th century, when decorative and even
luxurious pieces began to be produced.
These non-religious trees have themes such as death,

life or spring. Other common clay sculptures include

mermaids as well as Pegasus, roosters, lions, flowers
and more.

Examples

Parts of a Tree of Life

Base/ Armature
Pinch Pot, coil pot, Thrown pot
Coils
Decoration/ Figurines

-leafs, flowers, human figures, animal,

other symbols
Bright Colors
Story behind its symbols

I will show you how to

make a basic base for
your tree of life.
Join me back at the demo
table.

Now Design Your

Own Tree of
Life