This was a very interesting day visiting the town known for its copper work. This area was known for coppersmithing since pre-hipanic times - that means Aztec and before. The pine forest provided the energy for smelting and the ore came from mines about 40km away. The mines were exhausted about 50 years ago but the metalwork continued using recycled copper brought into the area from abroad. This recyled source continues today - the streetfolks that scrounge copper at home may continue the journey of the metal ending up here and becomg a beautiful water jug. Apparently there are dozens of studios in the town and we visited one and saw the process of working copper completely by hand. We bought some items but that will be another later post on the blog. There were five guys in the studio, four workers and the jefe and with broken spanish and a smattering of english we followed the process through. I think you'll get the idea with the pictures - remember all by hand - no elecrtic tools whatsoever - very cool!
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