A sad past and a glorious present. The pottery life of Nicasio Pajarito

Abstract

Much is said, but little is told. Ethnographic work is one of the tools that allows us to delve deeper into the present of what we are interested in investigating. History helps us to have a reference to the very recent past. Hemerographic documents are, therefore, important for this research, as they provide information very close to the context of fieldwork, interaction, and analysis of the Pajarito family, based on their reputation and performance in the production of clay pottery that originates from the town of El Rosario, belonging to the municipality of Tonala, Jalisco. Hence, the text will present a series of situations through which the potter has ceased to be present in the market that still exists at the heart of downtown Tonala. Despite implemented policies, population growth, intermediaries, and the ignorance or fetishism of modern society, the artisan continues to resist with their tradition as part of their identity. This has led to the implementation of a rescue mission for both the material and intangible heritage in which these potters are embedded. Consequently, the text highlights the journeys that the artisans have undergone together with art enthusiasts, such as Dr. Atl, politicians interested in preserving the pottery tradition through protection strategies, and the newspaper as the voice of the informant.