Hojalata Protective Hand

Employed by the Aztecs as a form of currency, mined and exported by the English, and surging in popularity in the 1930s via the collections of artists and intellectuals, tin has been an important part of the Mexican economy for centuries. Known locally as hojalata, tin work is primarily done in Guanajuato, Jalisco and Oaxaca.

These designs are individually hammered, with the hand form serving as a protective charm to bring good luck, fortune, and to repel negative energy and harm. The popularity of the hand symbol is also traced back to a 1939 trip to Paris where Frida Kahlo was gifted a set of hand earrings by Pablo Picasso. Every one of these pieces features a mirror to reflect the light, and are painted copper on both sides. They can be hung from a tree, on a wall, or even attached together to form a totem. We have two styles available – all feature top hanging loops. 

Artisans
This family of tin workers collaborate in their family workshop as two generations. Both skilled and experienced, this talented group create these custom hands for our shop, as well as a range of other pieces, including boxes, mirrors, earrings, napkin holders and large, layered pieces that are incredible examples of the profound creativity that abounds in Mexico. 

Details:

• Sunbeam design: approximately 15cm/6in long x 7cm/2.75in wide, plus hanging loop
• Star and heart design: approximately 13cm/5in long x 9cm/3.5 wide, plus hanging loop
• Care
• These pieces should be stored in a dry location, to prevent rust.
• If they’re being stored together, they should be wrapped in paper, in order to keep the paint from scratching.
• To remove dust, they can simply be wiped with a dry cloth.

Meet the Makers
Founded in 2016, by Ehren Seeland, Hecho is a curated emporium of ethically made artisan works that serve as the intersection of contemporary design and traditional artisan processes. Ehren is committed to the recognition of a desire to share these remarkable experiences within the context of a sustainable business built on partnerships, respect and transparency.

Hecho is a woman-owned company based in Oaxaca, Mexico that collaborates with over 70 artisans in eight different Mexican states, along with two small towns in Guatemala, in order to create their custom collections. The goal of these efforts is to support the storied traditions of generations of makers, and further a growing movement of quality over quantity. There is an added focus on supporting women in their work, with over 65% of their artisan partners being female. To ensure safe and healthy working environments, the makers are visited in their homes and workshops. If the women artisans are not respected in either realm, Hecho will not work with the group. Hecho also strives to maintain a focus on visibility for artisans, supporting women in their work, and encouraging preservation of artisan art forms through positive shared revenue streams.

In short, this is a business partnership in which both the makers and Hecho hold each other to a high standard. Aren't we the lucky ones that we get the benefit of having beautifully and ethically made goods in our homes. Thanks to the artisans for keeping their traditions alive and thanks to Ehren for her work in collaborating with them on this journey.