Unique Gift Idea
Handcrafted Treasures from Mexico

Looking for exclusive, hard to find, unique gift idea?

I'm thrilled to present you with some incredible handcrafted gifts from Mexico brought to you by Novica.com in association with National Geographic.

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Novica aims to create a bridge between the many talented artisans across the globe and those who value their works.

They want people to know about the artists they're buying from and to feel the connection to the product from the hands that created it.

These are extraordinary gifts that you will not only enjoy purchasing but also will be appreciated for your good taste and creative ideas.

Plus by purchasing from Novica.com you get to help a struggling artist by allowing him to make a decent living and to continue practicing his incredible skills.

Discover the Mexican Art

Mexico, a diverse country, is located in North America and consist of thirty-one states and a federal district, it is the fifth-largest country in the Americas with a population of almost 109 million, it is the 11th most populous country in the world.

Mexican folk art has many moods and faces formed by the various ethnicities, based on ancient Indian tradition and influenced by the Spanish.

The range of folk art and crafts is simply incredible. Each region has its own specialty, with villagers preserving the traditions handed down for many generations along with changing and evolving new techniques and art forms.

Today, about 8 percent of the Mexican people, many of them Indian, make a living creating and selling forms of folk art and craft.

Exceptional Gift Ideas

Unique Gift Idea - Mexican Textile

Mexican textile is rich in tradition, combining Indian and Spanish elements; it is a superb gift that blends ancient weaving techniques along with modern style and it is the perfect addition to a sophisticated interior.

A unique gift idea is this beautiful hand-woven Zapotec wool rug, 'Color Fiesta' it is made from the finest virgin wool and colored with only natural dyes.

Another cool gift idea is this comfortable Hammock, 'Mother Earth' (large deluxe) hand- woven by Yucatan artists, a great gift for a peaceful relaxation on a hot summer day.
In many parts of Latin America, the hammock is used for sleeping, and it is said that the Maya hammock cradles the body like a loving mother.

Ceremonial Masks

A truly unique gift idea for collectors is a ceremonial mask. Masks were an important part of Mexican culture and today they are still used in many festivals and ceremonial dances among the Indian people.

An extraordinary gift is the Beaded mask, 'Green Jicuri Flower' made by a Huichol artist that skillfully transformed tiny "chaquira" beads into beautiful and glossy motifs adhered to a papier-maché base. The result is a veritable explosion of color, full with symbols sacred to the Huichol culture.

Huichol culture is guided by pre-Columbian shamanic traditions linked to ceremonies performed in their storied past. The "Jicuri" (peyote) is the centerpiece of their ritualism, valued for its healing properties and its ability to enlighten the one who partakes of it.

Toys and Games

Toys and games are always an exciting and enjoyable gift for children and adults alike. The traditional folk art games and toys were usually made for kids from varies materials. The most common items were dolls, some kinds of human and animal figurines, coin banks, pull or push toys, whistles and rattles.

As many Mexican crafts has evolved and changed over the past decade so have the traditional games and toys and today you can find many innovative designs made for grown-ups such as this distinctive Auto part chess set, 'Rustic Warriors' created from screws, cogs, bearings, sparkplugs and metal sheet from a car's electrical system.

Mexican Pottery

Another unique gift idea is the Mexican pottery; it is an ancient widespread folk art that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and it will make a great gift for a friend or family member who enjoys entertaining with style.

Mexican pottery is mainly used to carry food or liquids while the more decorative items are usually used for ceremonies and home décor. A delightful handcrafted pottery gift idea is this Ceramic platter, 'Summer Harvest' inspired by Mexico's traditional Talavera pottery. (A Type of majolica pottery, a white and glazed type of ceramic).

A Unique Gift Idea - The Legendary Kokopelli

A unique gift idea that captures the essence of Mexican culture, legends and tradition is this Iron wall adornment, 'Kokopelli Peace' (medium)

It is a meaningful gift that brings the spirit of the mystical Anasazi (with means ancient stranger) flute player who has been a source of music making and dancing into your loved ones home, spreading joy and happiness to those around him.

Kokopelli dates back to pre-historic times; regarded as a fertility deity, he is usually depicted with a humped back, playing a flute. Ancient legends suggest Kokopelli was a Toltec trader who traveled from central Mexico to the United States' southwestern deserts and mountains, where he is featured in the form of rock art dating thousands of years.

Kokopelli played his flute to announce his arrival and according to Pueblo legends, he carried seeds, babies and blankets in his hump which he offered to the maidens he seduced.

To the Hopi, Kokopelli plays his flute to draw heat from the Earth and thus make the seeds grow. His name derives from Koko ("wood") and pilau ("hump") and it is believed to be present whenever life comes forth from seed – plant or animal.

To find more original gift ideas I highly recommend you visit Mexico art collection, it's beautiful.

Need Another Unique Gift Idea?

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So come on, take a look at Novica.com and prepare to be amazed…