Large Mata Ortiz pottery shard and sterling silver pendant

Chain is not included.

Size: This large pendant measures just under 2 1/2" long and is about 1 1/2" wide.

This beautiful one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry combines the artistry of Mata Ortiz potters with that of silver designers and smiths Salvador and Lorena Barrera and Agustin Torres Beltran. The story that led to this collaboration began in the mid 1900s in Mata Ortiz, a small village in Chihuahua, Mexico, with a young artist, Juan Quezada. As a boy, Quezada found and was entranced by ancient Paquimé Indian pot. He taught himself to refine the local clay, develop mineral pigments and to create, design and paint pottery. Over the years, he has taught many others in the village and now Mata Ortiz pots have become highly desirable works of art. Sadly, up to 30% of the ornately decorated pots are damaged in the firing process. This is where the Barreras and Beltran come in. Damaged pots are sent to the Barreras in Taxco, the silver making capital of Mexico. They cut and smooth the pots into small shards and design the jewelry. Agustin Beltran creates the jewelry based on their designs using .950 silver settings, often incorporating polished stones or ancient Paquimé designs to best show off the painted pottery piece. This marriage of hand crafted silver and hand painted pottery results in gorgeous pieces of art such as this.

We offer free priority insured mail to all United States locations. International shipping costs will vary based on location. All pieces of Mata Ortiz jewelry will come with a certificate of authenticity and a gift box. Gift wrapping is available on request.

Item ID: 4018