What is tilcajete?

Tilcajete is a small town located in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. The town is well-known for its unique handicrafts made from wood, such as carved animals and masks. The wood used for these crafts is primarily from the copal tree, a type of resinous hardwood that is native to the region. The people of Tilcajete have a long tradition of carving wooden figures for religious purposes and have now expanded their craft to include decorative pieces for tourists. The town is also home to several artisans who specialize in natural pigments, which are used to paint the wooden figures. Many visitors come to Tilcajete to see the workshops and observe the artisans at work.