Amate Bark Paper

Amate bark paper is a handmade paper of Mexico made by the Otomi Indians. They are made from the bark of Amate or Jonote tree, Mulberry tree or Xalama Limon. It originally developed in the area where the states of Puebla, Hidalgo, and Veracruz meet, most notably in the town of San Pablito, Puebla. Years of practise let the Otomi artisans to make different sizes and thickness of amate bark paper. The color and grain of the paper depends on the bark used to make it.

• Jonote Tree - The bark of jonote tree gives a typical coffee color to the bark.
• Mulberry Tree - The bark of this tree gives a silvery beige color to the paper.
• Xalama Limon - The bark of this tree gives a pure white color to the sheet.

The practise of making amate bark paper has been kept alive due to its important role in Otomi religious ceremonies.

Making of Amate Bark Paper

• Boil the amate bark in water and lime juice solution.
• After the bark becomes soft, drain the solution and rinse the bark.
• Lay the fibers in strips forming a mesh on flat surface.
• Beat the fibers with a stone called muinto or aplanador.
• Beat until the desired texture is obtained.
• Allow the sheets of paper to dry in the sun.

Applications of Amate Bark Paper

• Amate paper is still used by the Otomi Indians in the state of Puebla to cut out figures representing different good and bad spirits used in offering ceremonies.
• It is sold to artisans in the state of Guerrero who create colorful and beautiful bark paintings. The paintings depict pastrol and urban scenes, festivals and celebrations.
• Amate paper is also used for making pottery plates and a huge number of decorative purposes.
• Artists from San Pablito make elaborate designs using the figures made from amate bark paper and with their creative vision and memory they make beautiful paintings. These paintings are also called papel amate.