Don Juan Horta’s Family Workshop in Tocuaro, Michoacan

Don Juan Horta was the epitome of Mexican folk art: He began the tradition of mask-making in Tócuaro, and this village on the banks of Lake Patzcuaro has become synonymous for that craft ever since.



Tocuaro Masks

Don Juan Horta showed his work throughout Mexico and internationally, as well, including the Art Institute of Chicago and other educational centers and institutions. 


Tocuaro wooden masks

Don Juan Horta died in 2006.  But his legacy lives on today.  Mask lovers can visit the family workshop on Tocuaro, where his descendants continue creating the most imaginative masks.

Mask Maker from Tocuaro Modesto Horta son of Don Juan Horta

Many of our guests at Hotel Mansion Iturbe visit this workshop. His son Modesto Horta has taken the reins, and he is happy to show off his large collection of masks of different sizes, colors, and shapes, all made of one piece of Wood.

Tocuaro Wooden Masks made at Modesto Horta Workshop

 

Tocuaro masks making



Observe how these fabulous masks materialize before your eyes, and marvel at the dexterity of the artists, while they share tidbits of the community’s daily life.  You will see some unforgettable things.

 

Mask Maker in Tocuaro: Modesto Horta

 

Tocuaro Mask Making

There are now other mask workshops in Tocuaro, each with its own distinctive style and flare.  But!  You also shouldn’t miss the surprising embroidery of the Tocuaro’s women.



Tocuaro wooden masks

Visiting the actual workshops gives you a different, personal perspective of the work that goes into the creation of these pieces.



Tocuaro Masks made by Modesto Horta

Visiting Tocuaro will give you a unique opportunity to get to know the people, the culture, and the economy of a typical lake-side community, and appreciate its rich artisan past.


*Text and pictures property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.

We invite you to check more articles in our blog, there you will find more information that can be useful for your next visit to Pátzcuaro.


Here are some article that we suggest you:

Archaeological Zone of Tzintzuntzan

Ocumicho’s Mischievous Little Demons

Artisan Textiles of Patzcuaro

 

Hotel Mansión Iturbe

Portal Morelos 59

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

61600 Pátzcuaro, Mich.

México

For more information about our Hotel in Patzcuaro

Reservations online at Hotel Mansion Iturbe

Tels: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628

Fax: +52 (434) 342 3627

Toll Free fax number from USA & CANADA: 1 866 678 6102

GDS CODES:

Amadeus: ON MLMMAN
Sabre: ON 16297
Galileo: ON 24977
Worldspan: ON MLMM