Hand-carved barro negro jewelry box with a matching necklace and earring set.
(1) Barro Negro Heart Shaped Jewelry Box
(1) Barro Negro Necklace
(1) Pair of Barro Negro Earrings
Our Barro Negro Heart Jewelry Box is handcrafted and intricately carved with a stunning flower motif on the lid. Originally designed as a jewelry box, it can be repurposed in many ways; filled with candy or even used with tea lights. Use it in your kitchen, or office. A great gift that will always remind that special someone of the love you have for them.
These beautiful barro negro necklaces and earrings are hand shaped and carved by artesano’s from San Bortolo Coyetepec, Oaxaca, and come in 3 unique styles. The Gota de Amor features a smooth rounded droplet with delicate carvings around the bottom. The Hoja de Paz is a leaf-shaped and engravings around all its edges, its necklace is a finely braided leather necklace. The Corazon de Fuego features a carved heart pendant with a braided necklace with matching barro negro beads and a red tassel, the matching earrings are simple barro negro hearts with red tassels (not pictured).
**Note: Be sure to wipe your barro with a dry napkin before use, especially with your jewelry pieces so it doesn’t leave any residue on your clothes. Barro Negro gets its color from the earth (clay) used to make it, it is naturally black and you’ll discover as you use your barro negro that you may have some black residue on your fingers, especially if you get the barro wet.
** Replacement for damaged product: Barro Negro is very delicate especially in jewelry form, we will honor any replacements for pieces damaged during shipping within 7 days of carrier estimated shipment arrival date. Thank you.
Doña Esther Real and her husband Don Emilio Ortiz have been making Barro negro for many generations and continue the tradition with their three children. Their family business supports 10 families in their community, and they have expanded over the years.
Barro negro pottery (“black clay”) is a style of pottery from San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca, distinguished by its color, sheen and unique designs. The origins of Barro negro pottery extended through the Monte Albán period (500 BC), with examples of it found at archeological sites, fashioned mostly into jars and other utilitarian items. It has remained a traditional craft of the Zapotecs and Mixtecs of the Central Valleys area to the present day.
Originally Barro negro pottery was matte, grayish and very sturdy. In the 1950s, it was discovered that you could change the color and shine of the pieces by polishing the clay pieces and firing them at a slightly lower temperature. Just before the formed clay piece is completely dry, it is polished with a quartz stone to compress the surface. After firing, the piece emerges a shiny black instead of a dull gray. This innovation makes the pieces more delicate, but the final piece looks amazing.
