Feminism and Folk Art

This book is a mosaic or quilt of folk art around the world, from polychrome clay figures made in Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla (Mexico) to the baskets Maori women create in New Zealand, from Japanese lacquer work and decorated paddles to black dolls in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The creative impulse found in three continents, four countries, and four geographical regions are juxtaposed to make up a harmonious whole. The book carries out a detailed dissection of a variety of ethnic, racialized, and gender representations in their contemporary forms.

Eli Bartra is distinguished professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Mexico City.

Chapter 1: Trees of Life: Polychrome Clay Figures, and Women's Work in Izúcar de Matamoros Chapter 2: Art Weavers: Maori Women of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Chapter 3: From the Sober to the Saturated: Japanese Shunkei Lacquers and Edo Hagoita Chapter 4: The Smiler of the Moon: Brazilian Folk Art and the Abayomi Project