Smatters of terracotta coloured paste whirled out from the spinning turntable as the woman’s deft fingers expertly applied pressure, moulding new forms out of the virgin clay, carving shapes into the nebulous earth. When a ceramic piece transforms like this in front of your very eyes, you’ll come to understand that it’s not just a regular object emerging from mud – it’s the result of many generations of combined knowledge, of a mother schooling her young daughter about techniques of preparation, kneading, moisture, firing, glazing, throwing, carving, endless hours of imperceptible training. These are objects born by fire.

Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca still retains an astounding variety of indigenous cultures. Often entire villages are dedicated to one particular craft and have their own style of dress, language and history, which all make their way into the individual pieces they create.

Traditional pottery making in this area is at risk of disappearing however, all too easily replaced by mass plastic goods and quickly made substitutes. To survive, several groups of makers have decided to pool their skill sets and create a collective brand called colectivo 1050, combining their forces in order to sustain the roots of a thousand year old tradition.

“Innovando la tradición” is a non-profit multidisciplinary network that strives to increase the symbolic, economic and cultural value of Oaxacan pottery. They organize workshops, courses and exchanges on subjects ranging from organization and design, to technical skills and marketing, that allow potters to develop new skills and knowledge and generate spaces where they can freely imagine and create. Part of their work also lies in educating the public about the importance and value of clay art, and to this end they constantly make publications, tours and exhibitions. Master potters work with new generations to ensure the skill is kept alive, and tourists can even take part in their own private workshops.

Colectivo 1050’s ceramics range from objects such as jugs, fruit bowls, kitchenware, folkloric objects and other functional pieces, inspired by Oaxacan traditions of clay and adapted to contemporary lifestyles. Needless to say, they focus on fair trade and ecologically sustainable practices, and all products are lead free.

Keen international eyes have picked up on their work, meaning that these art pieces have made it as far as Tokyo and the MoMa Store in New York (the local artisans were invited to visit NYC for the occasion – see their journey here.