Southwest Themed
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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In this section of our Mexican tin art collection, we offer hand-tooled, flat ornaments with a Southwest theme — cacti, chiles, sunflowers, piñatas, coyboy boots, even Our Lady of Guadalupe — all handmade in Oaxaca. Use them as Christmas tree decorations, hang them in a collage on the wall, include them in your greeting cards. or use them as unique and colorful gift box ties. They are colorful and cheerful, so have some fun with them.
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 50 results
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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 -
Blue Moon Face Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This blue moon face ornament depicts a crescent moon with a face profile. It is painted in brilliant colors of blue with yellow and red accents. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-5_001$4.25 -
Chili Pepper Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This chili pepper ornament depicts a single chili pepper. It is painted in brilliant colors of red, yellow and green. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Makes a great gift for the chef in your life!
SKU: TN-5_004$4.50 -
Sunflower Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
The Sunflower Ornament punched tin art is painted on both sides. It features a bright yellow petals with darker orange center. Painted on both sides. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-5_005$5.00 -
Resting Campesino Ornament
Size: 3.5 inches tall
This Resting Campesino Ornament features bright colors of green, pink, and blue. This man is resting in a crouched position highlighting his large sombrero.
SKU: TN-5_006$4.25 -
Piñata Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
The Piñata Ornament is a flat Mexican punched tin ornament. It is painted on both sides in bright multi-colors and shiny. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bright and shiny it’s a festive party favor or enclose in holiday cards.
SKU: TN-5_007$4.50 -
Mermaid with Blue Fin Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This Mermaid with Blue Fin Ornament features a mermaid with black hair and a blue and green tail. Made of punched tin, It is painted on both sides. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bright and shiny it’s a cheery addition to your springtime decor!
SKU: TN-5_009$4.25 -
Mushroom Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This Mushroom ornament features a pair of mushrooms in multiple colors and floral designs. Painted on both sides they are a great addition to your seasonal decor. The will brighten up any dark spot!
SKU: TN-5_010$4.50 -
Full Sun Face Ornament
Size: 4 inches in diameter
The Full Sun Face Ornament features a smiling face and pointed rays. It is painted on both sides in bright shiny multi-colors. Mexican punched tin sun ornament is handmade in Oaxaca. Makes a great party favor or enclose in greeting cards.
SKU: TN-5_011$4.25 -
Sun with Red Face Ornament
Size: 4 inches in diameter
Sun with Red Face Ornament measures 4 inches tall. Features red face with brightly colored rays; painted on both sides. Colors of the rays may vary from photo shown here. Handmade in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-5_012$4.25 -
Purple Flower Ornament
Size: 4.5 inches tall x 3 inches wide
This purple flower ornament features deep purple petals with a light green stem and darker green leaves. 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. Bright and shiny it’s a cheery addition to your springtime decor!
SKU: TN-5_013$4.25 -
Prickly Pear Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
The Prickly Pear Ornament is a punched tin ornament handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico. The shiny green cactus with red flowers is painted on both sides. Makes a wonderful Southwestern accent for your seasonal decorations.
SKU: TN-5_018$4.25 -
Crescent Moon Face Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall
The Crescent Moon Face Ornament is a flat Mexican punched tin ornament, painted on both sides. Features a bright yellow moon with blue frame and red detailing. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bright and shiny it’s a festive party favor or enclose in holiday cards.
SKU: TN-5_052$4.50 -
Southwest Ornament Collection
Sizes: They range from 3.5 to 5 inches in height
The southwest ornament collection features a boxed set of 10 different ornaments. Ornaments include an armadillo, coyote, Piñata, cactus, mermaid, butterfly, sun, lizard, farmer with sheep, and a resting charro. These bright and colorful ornaments are made in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-5_021$35.00 -
Sun Face Ornament
Size: 4 inches in diameter
This sun face ornament features a bright yellow sun with red accents and a centered face. Made of punched tin, It is handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bright and shiny it’s a cheery addition to your springtime decor!
SKU: TN-5_023$4.50 -
Cowboy Boot Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall x 3.75 inches long
This cowboy boot ornament features a brown boot with gold spur and accents. Made of punched tin and painted on both sides. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bright and shiny it’s a cheery addition to your holiday decor!
SKU: TN-5_003$4.50 -
Chili Pepper Cluster Ornament
Size: 3.5 inches tall
This chili pepper cluster ornament depicts a cluster of three. It is painted in brilliant colors of red and green. Measures 3.5 inches tall. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Handcrafted,
SKU: TN-5_025$4.25 -
Chili Peppers Ornament
Size: 6.5 inches tall
This chili peppers ornament is painted bright red. This flat Mexican punched tin ornament is painted on both sides and is shiny. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a perfect accent for your kitchen, or for the chef in your house!
SKU: TN-5_026$4.50 -
Radish Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall x 4.5 inches wide
This radish ornament is made of punched tin and is painted on both sides in bright red and green. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bright and shiny it makes a great addition to your botanical decor.
SKU: TN-5_027$4.50 -
Poblano Pepper Ornament
Size: 6 inches long
This poblano pepper ornament is made of punched tin and painted a bright green. Brighten up your kitchen with this wonderful decor!
SKU: TN-5_028$4.25 -
Onion Ornament
Size: 6.5 inches tall
This onion ornament features a white onion with green leaves. Made of punched tin and hand painted by tinsmiths in Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s a beautiful kitchen accent!
SKU: TN-5_030$4.50 -
Banana Bunch Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall x 3 inches wide
This banana bunch ornament features three bananas painted dark yellow with a green stem. 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. Bright and shiny it’s a cheery addition to your springtime decor!
SKU: TN-5_031$4.50 -
Red Apple Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall and wide
This red apple ornament is painted on both sides in bright red, with a gold stem and green leaf. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico. Bright and shiny it’s a festive party favor or enclose in holiday cards.
SKU: TN-5_032$4.25 -
Granada Fruit Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This granada fruit ornament is a flat Mexican punched tin ornament painted on both sides. It is a unique orange and yellow color with green leaves. Handcrafted in Oaxaca, Mexico.
SKU: TN-5_033$4.25 -
Yellow Rose Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This Yellow Rose Ornament is painted a bright yellow with green stem and leaves. Painted on both sides. It is a beautiful addition to your springtime or holiday decor! Handcrafted in Oaxaca by Taller Corazon Mágico.
SKU: TN-5_035$4.25 -
Copper Maple Leaf Ornament
Size: 4 inches tall
This Copper Maple Leaf Ornament is made of pure copper. It is glistening and beautiful and is a great addition to your fall decor!
SKU: TN-5_037$12.00 -
Copper Mermaid Ornament
Size: 4 inches long
This Copper Mermaid Ornament is made of pure copper. Handcrafted by the Corazon Magico workshop in Oaxaca.
SKU: TN-5_036$12.00 -
Sunflower Ornament
Size: 5 inches tall
This tin sunflower with leaf ornament is bright and cheery! It features bright yellow petals with an orange center, and green leaf. Sunflower tin ornament handmade in Oaxaca by the Corazón Magico workshop.
SKU: TN-5_038$4.50