Collection: Olinala Boxes & Trays
The serving trays and boxes de Olinalá are elaborately designed that are handmade by families in the hard to reach town of Olinalá in the state of Guerrero. The indigenous lacquering methods used to produce the trades are protected by federal Denomination of Origin and by declaration of Mexico’s government, have remained preserved over many centuries.
Lacquering is one of Mexico’s oldest crafts and this is the main source of income for the town. The Olinala townspeople produce the bold, vibrant colors with minerals extracted from surrounding mountains including natural oils, tecostle, limestone, and charcoal. The serving trays and boxes are decoratively painted with symbolic figures and ancient mythical designs using deer tails, turkey feathers, or by hand with several patient weeks needed between layers to allow the surfaces to completely dry.
The wood is harvested from the Linaloe Tree, also known as the Tree of Fragrance and carries a signature scent of a sweet floral bouquets. The smell of fresh green and woody undertones stays with each box for its lifetime and brings pleasant aromatic ease.
