Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life)
by Familia Balbuena
Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla, Mexico
clay, pigment
13” high x 15” wide x 5” wide
The original Tree of Life sculptures were figurative statuettes used by Catholic missionaries to tell about the Bible. Soon the imagery started to mix with local beliefs and developed into its own art form, a colourful mixing of different worlds.
Familia Balbuena includes husband and wife Alonso and Rufina. They have been making tree of life ceramics for over 40 years. They use clay from the area which they collect, filter, ferment and knead. Forming the figures is done by hand. After the shape is ready, the statuettes are fired and painted in brilliant colors.
