Amate

Amate, or amate paper, is a traditional bark paper produced by Indigenous communities in parts of Mexico, most notably Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Puebla. The name comes from amatl, a Nahuatl word for paper, reflecting its long-standing linguistic and cultural roots in Mesoamerica.

Historically, amate was a principal writing material in pre-Columbian civilizations. Codices, ritual texts, calendars, and genealogies were inscribed on sheets made from the inner bark of ficus trees and related species. Following the Spanish colonization, the craft persisted and evolved, extending beyond writing to become an important medium for religious, administrative, and artistic purposes.

Production involves harvesting the inner bark of certain fig trees (Ficus spp.), typically in specific seasons. The bark is peeled, softened, and beaten to separate fibers, then formed into sheets and dried. Traditional processes may include boiling, beating, and pressing, with natural resins or gelatin used to improve strength and surface smoothness. The resulting sheets are pale brown to light tan and can be finished with polishing or tanning techniques.

In contemporary practice, amate remains a living craft. Artisans in Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Puebla continue to produce sheets that serve as supports for painting and other artworks. Amate paintings often employ natural mineral and plant pigments and depict a mix of traditional motifs—glyphs, animals, plants, and cosmological imagery—alongside modern designs. The material is also used for decorative items, book bindings, and ceremonial objects, reflecting a fusion of ancient heritage and modern artisanal practice.