Animal Ornaments
The Radiance of Tin Art
Tinwork is one of Mexico's oldest crafts. Rooted in Spanish colonial times, tinplate workers manufactured it by dipping thin sheets of iron into molten tin. This coats the iron with a bright, durable surface that is resistant to rusting. Our tin figures are entirely handmade (cutout, punched, embossed and soldered) by craftsmen using great precision and artistic flair. Painted with bright, durable lacquer and enamel colors, tin figures are inexpensive, lightweight and long lasting. In modern Mexico, the two centers of tin smithing are Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende, and we carry products from both cities.
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Read More About Animal Ornaments
In this section of our Mexican tin art collection we offer flat animal ornaments (except for birds), from several of Oaxaca’s acclaimed tinsmiths. They tool these figures by hand, four flat pieces of tin at at time. They are not stamped out with a machine. The artists paint the tin in durable and shiny lacquer, enamel and sometimes automobile paints to give then a gleaming, enduring finish.
Please take the time to browse our other tin products, including animal figures, birds, Day of Dead, Christmas ornaments and tin stars, nicho frames and fridge magnets. Use the drop-down menu above, under TIN ART.
The age of tinwork in Mexico goes back at least to the 1700s. Tin was originally manufactured by dipping thin sheets of iron into molten tin to coat them with a bright surface that was durable and highly resistant to rusting. (However, if the surface is scratched, revealing the iron underneath, it will begin to rust if exposed to rain or high humidity.) For an artisan, the appeal of working with tin is its lightness, strength and low cost. It is easily bent, cut and soldered to form intricate shapes.
In eras gone by, Mexicans decorated their homes with tin photo frames, candelabras, lanterns, tin and glass frames (nichos) holding pictures of saints. In humble churches, tin crowns were set on the heads of statues, lit tin lanterns were carried during processions, tin candlesticks adorn the altars.
Tinwork is often referred as the poor man’s silver. In Mexico, every religious and festive object handcrafted in silver has a counterpart in humbler forms made from tinplate. Yet the same degree of skill and passion the silversmiths put into their work could be found in the less opulent pieces made by tinsmiths. Their pieces, too had an alluring shine, that charming brilliance.
These days, tinsmiths in Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende are carrying on the traditions, making Christmas decorations, tin soldiers, heart-shaped wall plaques and a variety of clever toys. Most of their work is for export to the southern United States, where tinwork is one of the most visible manifestations of Mexican Culture. Most popular with American collectors are the cheerful, flat ornaments, of which we have many here at Viva Oaxaca Folk Art. Take a look and enjoy.
Showing 1–28 of 34 results
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Coyote Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
The Coyote Ornament is handmade by Mexican tinsmiths in Oaxaca. It is painted on both sides in bright colors of blue, purple, red and green.
SKU: TN-3_002$4.50 -
Armadillo Ornament
Size: 4.5 inches long
This Armadillo Ornament depicts a colorful armadillo. It is painted in brilliant colors. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a whimsical addition to your holiday decor!
SKU: TN-3_004$4.50 -
Gold Cat Angel Ornament
SIZE: 6 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide x 1.5 inches deep
Our Gold Cat Angel Ornament is one of a collection of three cat angels. This ornament is whimsical and fun. It features a 3-D design and is not flat. It is a great ornament of honor to a lost pet. Collect all three! Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-6_032$6.95 -
Lion Ornament
SIZE: 4 inches long
This Lion Ornament is a colorful, punched tin lion figure. It adds sparkle to your holiday decorations. Handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico, It’s painted on both sides in yellow and brown.
SKU: TN-3_007$4.50 -
Monkey Ornament
SIZE: 5 inches tall
This Monkey Ornament is a flat, Mexican tin art handmade in Oaxaca, Lightweight and painted on both sides, it will add sparkle to your Christmas tree or a nice surprise slipped into your holiday greeting cards.
SKU: TN-3_008$4.50 -
Reindeer Ornament
Size: 4 inches long
Tin Reindeer Ornament is handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico. It makes a cheerful addition to your Christmas holiday tree decorations. The flat ornament is shiny, colorful, and painted on both sides.
SKU: TN-3_009$4.50 -
Bull Ornament
Size: 4 inches long
This Bull Ornament features a bright red body with a floral design.. Made of punched tin. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. it will be a sparkly ornament to hang on your Christmas tree.
SKU: TN-3_010$4.50 -
Red Snail Ornament
Size: 3 inches tall x 4 inches wide
This Red Snail Ornament is brightly colored with a red body, and a shell of purple, green, and yellow. Made of punched tin and handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-3_040$4.50 -
Iguana Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This Iguana Ornament features a bright green body with a floral design in the center. Made of punched tin, It is painted on the front side and the back is unpainted and is a reflective silver. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-3_014$4.50 -
Burro Ornament
Size: 4.5 inches long
This burro ornament features a bright blue body with a colorful saddle blanket. Made of punched tin, It is colorful, shiny and durable. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-3_015$4.50 -
Butterfly Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This butterfly ornament is bright, shiny, and durable. It features wings of gold, green and red and it’s painted on both sides. Makes a perfect addition to your seasonal decor. Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-3_017$4.50 -
Cat Ornament
Size: 4.5 inches tall
This cat ornament features a bright yellow body with a blue head. Made of punched tin, It is painted on the both sides. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-3_018$4.50 -
Frog Ornament
Mexican punched tin ornament, handmade in Oaxaca
The Frog Ornament measures 3.5 inches tall. This sitting frog is painted in a brilliant green, pink and gold.
SKU: TN-3_020$4.50 -
Pony Ornament
Size: 4 inches long
The Pony Ornament is painted a bright yellow and features a colorful saddle blanket. This Mexican punched tin ornament is handmade in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-3_021$4.50 -
Seahorse Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall
This seahorse ornament features a rainbow of colors on its body and painted on both sides. Made of punched tin and handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-3_022$4.50 -
Marlin Ornament
Size: 5 inches long
This marlin ornament features a rainbow of colors on its body; painted on both sides.. It will add sparkle and color to your rec room, bait shop or Christmas tree. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-3_025$4.50 -
Dolphin Ornament
Size: 5 inches long
This dolphin ornament features a bright blue body. Made of punched tin and is painted with durable, shiny acrylic paints. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. This is a great addition to your seasonal decor!
SKU: TN-3_026$4.50 -
Whale Ornament
Size: 3.5 inches tall x 5 inches wide
This whale ornament features a bright brown body with a floral design. Made of punched tin, It is painted on the front side and the back is unpainted and is a reflective silver. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-3_027$4.50 -
Puppy Ornament
Size: 5 inches long
This Puppy Ornament features a gold body with a green collar and is painted on both sides. Handmade by the Aquino Family in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-3_031$4.50 -
Elephant Ornament
Size: 4 inches long
This Elephant Ornament features a red elephant with a colorful blanket on its back. This is a whimsical addition to any seasonal decor! Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-3_032$4.50 -
Grasshopper Ornament
Size: 4.75 inches long
This Grasshopper Ornament is colorful with blue, brown and gold paint. It is shiny, bright, and durable. This is a whimsical addition to any seasonal decor! Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-3_016$4.50 -
Tropical Fish Ornament
Size: 4 inches long
This tropical fish ornament is shiny, colorful and durable. This handmade ornament will add sparkle to your seasonal decor!
SKU: TN-3_012$4.50 -
Bee Ornament
Size: 6.5 inches wide
This Bee Ornament is handmade of punched tin by Mexican tinsmiths. Durable and shiny, the fly makes a unique Christmas tree ornament, or colorful figure for wall decor.
SKU: TN-3_019$4.50 -
Owl and Squirrel Ornament
Size: 5 inches long
This Owl and Squirrel Ornament is painted on the front side and features a blue owl and brown squirrel. They are sharing a green branch. The back side is unpainted and is a shiny natural silver color. This is a whimsical addition to any seasonal decor!
SKU: TN-4_030$5.25 -
Swimming Frog Ornament
Size: 4.5 inches long
This swimming frog ornament features a green frog with blue spots and is painted on one side. Handmade by the Aquino Family in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-3_036$4.50 -
Black Dog Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall
The Black Dog Ornament features a black dog with white snout and chest. It is painted on both sides. Made in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-3_038$4.75 -
Dog Angel Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall
This Dog Angel Ornament is painted on both sides and features a white dog with gold angel wings. It is a perfect gift or ornament to honor a lost pet.
SKU: TN-3_037$4.50 -
Silver Fish Wall Art
Size; 12 inches long x 7 inches tall
This silver fish wall art is handcrafted tin fish by Aquino Family Artisans in Oaxaca. This gleaming tin piece is lightweight and durable. It will make a dramatic statement!
SKU: TN-1_003$15.00