Birds and Bird Decor
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.
Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Read More About Birds and Bird Decor
In this section of our Mexican tin art collection, we offer flat bird ornaments of many species (doves, roosters, owls, parrots, toucans and more), all handmade in Oaxaca. These figures are tooled by hand, not stamped out with a machine. They are painted on both sides in gleaming and durable enamel and lacquer colors.
Please take the time to browse our other tin products, including animal figures, Valentine hearts, 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 29–39 of 39 results
-
Small Golandrina Wall Art
Size: 6 inches wide x 5.5 inches tall
The Small Golandrina (swallow) Wall Art is made of tin. It is slightly curved so it appears to pop from the surface on which it is mounted. Beautifully painted in bright colors that reflect light. Color combinations vary. Add it to the Golandrina Trio for a flock of swallows! It will brighten any space. This piece is painted on one side. It can be used as wall art or a large ornament.
SKU: TN-4_020$5.25 -
Red Heart and Doves Wall Plaque
Size: 14 inches tall x 11.5 inches wide
The Red Heart And Doves Wall Plaque is a gorgeous piece. It features a bright red heart surrounded by an antiqued brownish-red frame. The doves have a lot of depth. The embossed tin is expertly painted with gradients of white, grey, tan, and red. Bright orange flowers are offset by leaves of green and gold. The doves are holding a gold banner. The back side is black with a loop soldered on for hanging. This is a standout piece.
SKU: TN-4_033$80.00 -
Blue Heart and Doves Wall Plaque
Size: 14 inches tall x 11.5 inches wide
The Blue Heart And Doves Wall Plaque is a gorgeous piece. It features a bright blue heart surrounded by an antiqued brownish-red frame. The doves have a lot of depth. The embossed tin is expertly painted with gradients of white, grey, tan, and red. Bright yellow flowers are offset by leaves of green and gold. The doves are holding a gold banner. The back side is black with a loop soldered on for hanging. This is a standout piece.
SKU: TN-4_036$80.00 -
Black Rooster Vessel
Size: 10 inches tall x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide
The Black Rooster Vessel is a decorative piece that can be used to display plants or dried flowers. It also is beautiful in the kitchen to hold necessary kitchen items such as onions, lemons, etc. The rooster is decorated with a floral design and a sacred heart of ascension. It is 10 inches tall x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide. The interior receptacle is slightly smaller than the outer dimensions.
SKU: TN-4_037$124.00 -
Blue Rooster Vessel
Size: 10 inches tall x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide
The Blue Rooster Vessel is a decorative piece that can be used to display plants or dried flowers. It also is beautiful in the kitchen to hold necessary kitchen items such as onions, lemons, etc. The rooster is decorated with a floral design and a sacred heart of ascension. It is 10 inches tall x 11 inches long x 4 inches wide. The interior receptacle is slightly smaller than the outer dimensions.
SKU: TN-4_047$124.00 -
Flying Bird Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide
This Flying Bird Ornament features a yellow body, blue wings and a multi-colored tail. Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-4_044$4.75 -
White Dove Ornament
Size: 4.5 inches long
Our White Dove Ornament is made of punched tin and hand painted on both sides. Painted white with a little red flower on its chest. Makes a beautiful gift. Place one in your holiday greeting card to a special friend. Handcrafted in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-4_016$5.25 -
Hummingbird Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall and wide
The Hummingbird Ornament is painted on both sides. The red hummingbird has wing of blue, red, gold and green. The embossed adds texture and definition. Made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-4_048$4.75 -
Swallow Bird Ornament, pure copper
Flat swallow ornament, handcrafted in Oaxaca of pure copper.
Swallow measures 4 inches long.
SKU: TN-4_035$12.00 -
Hummingbird Trio Wall Decor
Size of each: 9 inches long x 5.75 inches tall
The Hummingbird Trio Wall Decor is shiny and colorful. Made of punched tin, the body and wings are texturized for detail and beautiful light reflections. A loop is on back to hang this piece on the wall or any flat surface. The colors are standout and each hummingbird complements the others.
SKU: TN-4_049$28.00 -
Purple Hummingbird Wall Decor
Size: 9 inches wide x 5.75 inches tall
The Purple Hummingbird Wall Decor is shiny and colorful. Made of punched tin, the body and wings are texturized for detail and beautiful light reflections. A loop is on back to hang this piece on the wall or any flat surface. The colors are standout. Add this hummingbird to build on our Hummingbird Trio Wall Decor!
SKU: TN-4_051$8.25