Arbol De La Vida

THE BASICS

The Arbol De la Vida (Tree of Life) is a form of traditional Mexican folk art. Made from ceramics, the intricate tree designs typically depict biblical stories surrounding Adam & Eve.

They are thought to have derived from ceremonial candelabras as many of them have places to insert candles.

They are often colorful, heavily decorated with floral and animal motifs.

Specific styles vary from region to region.

Izucar de Matamoros

Acatlán de Osorio

Metepec

EXAMPLES

Alfonso Soteno

FURTHER READINGS & RESOURCES

• http://www.heronmartinez.com/Introduction.html

• https://www.mexican-folk-art-guide.com/tree-of-life.html#.Yd3WR1jMK3I

• https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/11/travel/the-tree-of-life-grows-in-mexico.html

• https://silverbubble.co.uk/tree-of-life-meaning

• https://carapan.com.mx/blogs/mexican-folk-art-techniques-tradditions/mexican-tree-of-life-meaning-origin-tradition-in-metepec