Honeycomb Copper Vessel by Roberto Castro Hernandez, Michoacan

Honeycomb Copper Vessel
by Roberto Castro Hernandez
Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacan, Mexico
hand hammered copper
26” high x 20” diameter

Roberto Castro Hernández is a master coppersmith from Santa Clara del Cobre Michoacán. Roberto's work is outstanding. He has developed his own patina techniques, a property that brings out the depth and range of colors possible in copper. He began playing and working with metal when he was ten years old and soon began experimenting with different techniques. As he gained experience, he became the creator of his own pieces. His beautiful work is some of the most distinguished in the region. His cousins continue in the tradition of preserving the family's unique designs.

Roberto has participated in numerous exhibitions and his copper art has been admired and awarded. He has won numerous awards in recent National Competitions; for two consecutive years he was invited to the Santa Fe Folk Art Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as a representative of Mexican copper art. His work is appreciated and frequently requested by architects and interior designers working in contemporary Mexican construction, a new architectural expression based on the preservation of Mexicanness through innovation. Roberto's pieces are exhibited in hotels throughout the country.

In Santa Clara del cobre's work, each piece is made by hand using the method used for centuries, hammering a single sheet of copper into shape over a hot forge. The piece is then reheated and immersed in very cold water to achieve reddish oxide tones. The work is decorated by stamping. A large number of tools are used in this art form: chisels, pliers, tweezers, scissors, punches, mallets and hammers of all types and weights. The raw material is purchased from a number of places where copper waste that is constantly discarded, from car parts and wires, is found.

Since the copper in Roberto's parts is left in its natural state, it requires minimal care. The patina protects the surface from oxidation, so there is no need for polishing. If the piece becomes dirty, it can be washed with soap and water.

Copper, a metal known for its malleability and conductivity, holds a special place in Mexican culture. It weaves its way through the country's history, art, and daily life. From ancient times, copper has been a symbol of craftsmanship and tradition in Mexico. 

Copper mining and utilization in Mexico date back to pre-Hispanic civilizations, including the Aztecs and the Purépecha. The Purépecha, in particular, were renowned for their exceptional skills in copper metallurgy. They crafted tools, ornaments, and weapons, establishing a legacy of copper craftsmanship that continues today.

The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century introduced new techniques and expanded the use of copper. The colonial period established numerous copper workshops, where indigenous artisans blended traditional methods with European techniques, producing intricate and beautiful works.

One of Mexico's most famous copper crafting regions is Santa Clara del Cobre, in Michoacán. Here, artisans employ centuries-old techniques to create stunning copper pieces. The process is labor-intensive, involving heating, hammering, and shaping the copper by hand. Each piece is a testament to the artisan's skill and dedication, often passed down through generations.
The annual National Copper Fair in Santa Clara del Cobre showcases the incredible variety of copper products, from decorative items and jewelry to functional pieces like cookware and sinks. This event highlights the importance of copper in Mexican culture and provides a platform for artisans to share their work with a broader audience.

In Mexican culture, copper is more than just a metal; it symbolizes resilience and tradition. The rich, warm hues of copper are often associated with the earth and the sun, elements that are deeply revered in Mexican folklore and spirituality. Copper items are commonly used in traditional ceremonies and rituals, underscoring their cultural significance.

Copper is also celebrated in Mexican cuisine. Traditional copper cookware, such as cazos (large cooking pots), is prized for its even heat distribution, making it ideal for preparing dishes like carnitas and cajeta (caramel). The use of copper in cooking is not just about functionality; it's a continuation of a culinary heritage that connects the present to the past.

Today, copper plays a vital role in Mexican culture, blending tradition with modernity. Contemporary designers and artists are incorporating copper into their work, creating pieces that honor the past while embracing innovative techniques.