Since 1987, the Estrada family who live and work in Jalisco have been creating replicas of pre-Hispanic statues, masks, pedestals, and base relief plaques.

Gustavo, the father, supervises son, Manuel, who forms the pieces. Son, Carlos, paints them, and son, Sandro, manages the sales, The two youngest sons, Andres and Gustavo, help out wherever possible.

The Estradas draw their designs from their own imagination and from books on the Aztecs, the Maya, and the Zapotecs. Many of their pieces are considered folk art collectibles.

First the pieces are formed in red, white, and black clay. Then they are allowed to dry for 15 to 20 days. They are then fired at low temperature for about 5 hours. After being fired, the pieces are painted, sanded and sealed.

You will see one of the Estradas almost daily on the Ajijic Carretera selling their wares alongside the road. As a new venture, the Estradas have begun salvaging car tires and sculpting them into parrot-shaped hanging flower pots. They are also making parrots and other birds - their features are made of tiny pieces of leather, cut and overlayed on to their bodies. There seems to be no end to their creativity!

The Estradas have taken part in the Maestros del Arte exhibition since its inception in 2002. Watch for them again in 2005.

If you are interested in purchasing some of the Estrada family's work, please call Marianne Carlson at 011522 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com