Cee’s Photo Challenge: Contrast Colors

Contrasting colors in Oaxaca? Too easy.  Oaxaca is awash with bold color combinations. It could be the birthplace of color contrasts! A one hour walk around El Centro provided more photo ops than I imagined.  I did not have to find them – they found me!

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If you just can’t decide what color to use…why not use them all!

Photo taken in San Martín Tilcajete

Throughout the day and even at sunset, the colors that surround us are intensified by the beautiful Oaxaca blue sky.

 

Hiking Oaxaca: Santa Ana del Valle

Hugging the foot of a mountain in the Tlacolula Valley, the charming village of Santa Ana del Valle was the starting point for the weekly hike of “Hoofing It In Oaxaca.” Zapotec is the common language spoken here, and many people earn at least part of their living by weaving gorgeous rugs and other tapestries.

The village of Santa Ana is in the foreground, and Tlacolula, the largest city in this valley, is in the distance.

Our destination is on the backside of the tallest mountain on the right.

Plaza of Santa Ana del Valle

Beginning the Climb

One of our guides from Santa Ana overlooking the village of Teotitlán del Valle. The city of Oaxaca sprawls through the far valley behind the dark mountain a little to the right of center. He was quite knowledgeable about the plants along the trail, and with his machete he quickly crafted a walking stick for me!

Santa Ana del Valle Overlook

Watch where you sit! These tiny cactus were growing among rocks in areas where we stopped to take a break. The dead looking plants at the side are called Siempre Vive (always alive) because when the rainy season begins they turn green and open!

Variety of Agave

Cactus Variety

Enjoying the views and the great variety of plant life were good excuses for stopping and catching our breath!

From an altitude of approximately 5400 feet, we climbed 1619 ft. (493.5 m.)to a high point of about 7032 ft. (2143 m.) Particularly for those of us used to living at sea level, there was a lot of huffing and puffing! Our rewards were spectacular views in every direction and the opportunity to visit an unexcavated archaeological site.

This ancient ball court is part of the unexcavated archaeological site at the top of the mountain.

People in Santa Ana come to the mountain top site to ask for help in acquiring a new home. Part of the ceremony involves building a little house with the stones from the ancient structures.

For those who can read Spanish, this explanation about the archaeological site is quite fascinating.

Looking north east in the direction of Veracruz. The mountain range is the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, and they seem to go forever.

Break time at the top!

Larry, our fearless leader and organizer of these great hikes, is always ready to snap your photo when you least expect it!

View NE toward Cuajimoloyas

Descending is SO much easier than climbing!

Back in the plaza of Santa Ana, we visited their lovely church and bought handwoven tapestries from friendly local artists.

Church in Santa Ana

Handwoven Mini-rugs We like to display these beautiful weavings on our wall!

Popular Art Museum

Fanciful alebrijes, exquisitely detailed black pottery, stunning textiles, and other wonderful works of art await the visitor’s viewing pleasure in the Museum of Popular Art Oaxaca.

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Owl

Black Pottery

Textile

Section of Wall Mural

The artists of San Bartólo Coyotepec, where the museum is located, are famous for their black pottery (barro negro).  After forming the brown clay vases, bowls and characters entirely by hand,  potters using small knives and other specialized tools cut in surface designs and see-throughs. The clay changes to a pearly black color as it is fired. 

Black Pottery Vase

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Black Pottery Bowls

Black Pottery 1

Inside the Vase

Black Pottery Detail

Sharing the News

Clay Warriors

Sometimes outlandish, often humorous, but always gracefully carved and vividly painted, alebrijes hold the power to make the viewer gasp with astonishment at the meticulous hand painting or smile at the whimsy of the creator.

Fantasy Creature
Photo by Peter Martin

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Songs of the Sea Photo by Peter Martin

Zig Zag Cat Photo by Peter Martin

Scooter Ride

Tied in A Knot

Green-eyed Lizard

Walking Tall

Owl Close-up

Owl Detail

Strut Your Stuff

Fiber artists of southern Mexico are well-known for producing gorgeous textiles that are used for clothing, bags, tablecloths, and bedspreads. Artisans weave with backstrap looms, table looms, and floor looms, and they often decorate their weavings with colorful hand embroidery.

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Weaving

Textile Detail

Weaving Detail

Naptime in the Museum

A friend, Peter Martin, who was visiting the museum at the same time that we were, generously gave me permission to use some of his photos. His name appears in their captions.