New Mexico

Hispanic arts & crafts: bultos, colcha embroidery, pano art, retablos, santos, silverwork, tinwork, weaving, woodworking

Silverwork

With the silver mines in New Mexico and a tradition brought from Spain, silverwork was a richer expression of art than the tinwork also created. The artisans that worked in metal were called plateros and traveled the state selling and taking orders from those who could afford their jewelry. Although few tools are necessary to produce filigree, the fine intricate workmanship required keen vision and a steady hand. Many of New Mexico’s most respected filigree artisans died poor as age and failing eyesight prevented them from continuing in the demanding craft.

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