Luscious paper from South America: Amate

A Timeless Tradition: Amate Paper

With a rich history spanning over 3,000 years, Amate paper stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity of Mesoamerican cultures. Crafted from the bark of fig, amate, nettle, and mulberry trees, this paper combines strength and flexibility in a unique way.

The process of making amate involves peeling the outer tree bark and boiling the inner bark. It is then soaked in water overnight. Afterward, it is beaten with a smooth flat stone until it transforms into pulp. A special glutinous substance, derived from orchid bulbs, is added to create a paste, which is then formed into sheets and dried in the sun. Traditionally, artisans harvested bark from mature branches, ensuring the trees’ regeneration and resource sustainability.

In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, the Aztecs and Maya relied on Amate, originally known as “Amatl,” for essential purposes. It served as a canvas for rituals, a medium for recording history, a sturdy support for maps, and even as material for codices – a precursor to books.

However, the Spanish conquest marked a dark period for amate production. In line with typical colonial practices, local languages and traditional knowledge were banned, leading to the replacement of amatl with inferior European paper, nearly eradicating this ancient craft. Despite this suppression, the Otomi people of Puebla continued the practice in secret, preserving its spiritual significance and magical beliefs.

The 20th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in Amate paper. Today, it is celebrated for its cultural importance and artistic potential. Nahua painters create vibrant artworks on Amate, while the Otomi people specialize in intricate cut-outs.

Modern Amate remains highly prized for its durability, unique texture, and earthy aesthetic. The skillful blending of natural fibers results in variations in shade, weight, and pattern – a testament to the handmade nature of each sheet. Often used in crafts and artwork that reflect indigenous heritage, Amate paper serves as a beautiful bridge connecting the past to the present.

This ancient tradition is thankfully now thriving in San Pablito, Puebla, and Chicontepec, Veracruz. By supporting these communities and their time-honored craft, you become a steward of this remarkable cultural legacy. 

💛💛💛 Due to the handmade nature of the paper, variation in weight, colour and pattern are part of the the charm of the paper 💛💛💛