Amate Bark Paper from Mexico - Lace Oro 15.5x23 Inch Sheet Amate Bark Paper from Mexico - Lace Oro 15.5x23 Inch Sheet

The word amate derives from amatl, the Nahuatl word for paper. Mayan andAztec Indians painted on amate paper to create codices (accordion foldedbooks) depicting stories, historical events and even astrology. TheOtomi people still use amate paper today for creating cutout figures forreligious ceremonies while other village artisans use it for Mexicanfolk art depicting colorful urban scenes, festivals and celebrations.The paper is created from the bark of the amate wild fig tree (xalama),the nettle tree (jonote), and mulberry (moral). Each type of barkproduces a different tone of color, ranging from coffee browns tosilvery whites. The pulp from these barks are often combined to produce aswirling marble effect. The artisans first wash the bark, then boil itin a solution of lime juice for several hours, and lay strips on awooden board. They beat the strips until they fuse together to form thedesired texture, then dry them in the sun. This acid free paper is awonderful choice for use in fine art including painting, ink and pasteldrawings, crafts, invitations, cards, decoration and bookbinding.This sample was scanned with a black background.