In Santa María Atzompa, Oaxaca, clay is more than earth

Just a few kilometers from the city of Oaxaca lies Santa María Atzompa, a town that stretches across the central valleys with views toward Monte Albán. Here, pottery is part of everyday life. It is work, livelihood, tradition — and a language that has been spoken for generations. To understand Atzompa pottery, however, you must look beyond the finished vessel. More than a simple container, the w…