Pineapples

All of the new inventory is unpacked and a representative sample is on the shelves in the shop. So, we can go back to the trip in February.

After our visit in Ocumicho (see the April 22nd post), we made an unplanned stop at the workshop of Pedro Hernandez in Tangancicuaro, Michocan, Mexico. Pedro is part of the Barro Sin Plomo (Clay Without Lead) group and is one of the maestros of the ceramic pineapples so popular in Mexico. Pedro is on the right on this photo.


Being a Midwesterner, I've never had a particular affinity for pineapples, but this stop has changed that. We watched as Pedro rolled strings of clay, broke off tiny bits, and placed each with precision on the larger clay piece.


Our demonstration was interrupted by a meal being served to the family. I often decline home cooked food and almost always beverages as a guard against food my digestive system cannot handle. I was tired, hungry, and thirsty. I accepted the freshly made tortillas, the meat and broth filling, and the fruit punch. It was one of the best meals I've had in Mexico. And I must be getting Mexican food tough, for there were no ill effects. Street food next???


We bought a conservative amount of the beautiful pineapples created in Pedro's workshop to test the market in Madison and on the web. Below is a photo of our display at the shop.

I've put a couple pineapple samples on the website as well.

A long drive back to Patzcuaro gave us time to reflect on all the places and people we had visited that day. We continue to be amazed at the artistry and resourcefulness of these hard working and generous people.