Mata Ortiz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mata Ortiz
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Village
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 Mata Ortiz
Location in Mexico
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| Country | Mexico |
| State | Chihuahua |
| Municipio libre (municipality) | Casas Grandes |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 1,182 |
Mata Ortiz is a small village in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It's located less than 100 kilometers (about 60 miles) from the US-Mexico border. This village is in a wide, fertile valley. Many native groups have lived here for a long time. Mata Ortiz sits at the base of a mountain called El Indio. It's also on the west bank of the Rio Palanganas. This river flows into the Rio Casas Grandes. The old ruins of Casas Grandes are very close by. In 2010, Mata Ortiz had a population of 1,182 people.
Contents
History of Mata Ortiz
The town was first called "Pearson." It was founded in the late 1800s during the time of President Porfirio Díaz. The main ways people made a living were farming, cutting timber, raising cattle, and working on the nearby railroad.
After the Mexican Revolution, the town's name changed. It was renamed to honor Juan Mata Ortiz. He was a local hero who fought against the Apache people in the 1800s. After the Revolution, more people moved to the town. Land was shared under a system called ejido. However, many people still relied on seasonal farm work or railroad jobs.
In the 1960s, the railroad repair yard moved away. This caused the town to decline. Many people lost their jobs. This decline continued until the 1980s.
Amazing Mata Ortiz Pottery
Pottery making started in Mata Ortiz in the 1980s. Today, about 300 of the 2,000 people in the town make a living from ceramics. About two-thirds of the town's population works in jobs related to pottery. This includes supplying fuel for kilns or offering rooms to traders and tourists.
This craft has greatly improved life in the village. Before pottery, there were only seasonal farm jobs for men. Women had very few options for work. Now, pottery allows families to afford things like electricity, plumbing, and vehicles. Women and men both create pottery. Today, many talented women work as potters in the town.
The Paquimé Pottery Tradition
Mata Ortiz is famous for its ceramics. These pots are a modern revival of the ancient Paquimé tradition. They keep much of the old style, decoration, and colors. You can often see gray smoke in the air from the many kilns.
The town has held a pottery competition since 2008. It's called the Concurso de Cerámica. This competition is now supported by FONART, a Mexican government fund for crafts. It's a big event for handicrafts in Mexico. Other government groups also help potters with supplies and training.
How Pottery Changed Lives
Mata Ortiz has seen a new interest in an old pottery style. This style comes from the ancient city of Paquimé. Pottery from Paquimé was traded far away. It went as far north as New Mexico and Arizona. It was also traded all over northern Mexico.
Today, potters in Mata Ortiz make new works for sale. They sell them in Mexico and other countries. This new art movement started because of Juan Quezada Celado. He taught himself how to make pottery. He is the person who began modern Mata Ortiz pottery. His family and neighbors have also helped this art grow.
See also
In Spanish: Mata Ortiz para niños
