mayan red clay

properties

This is a low ph (acidic) clay and as a result may help reduce ph level of skin in the armpit which in turn reduces body odor. Clay is also functional in extracting impurities from pores and helping tone skin, which is why it is frequently used as an ingredient in skincare masks.

history

This red clay is the clay used in historic Mayan pots and utensils in Belize.

Local sourcing

The San Antonio Pottery Co-op in the Mountain Pine Ridge region of Belize was formed by nine local Mayan women. They started the group to find a way to earn an income, learn new and interesting skills, and share their traditional knowledge not only with visitors, but with the younger generation. Each woman working at the Cooperative has an average of 5-10 children that they care for. The village of San Antonio, a community of 3,500 people in western Belize, has its roots in Mayan traditions and currently practices subsistence agriculture. The women-led coop gives opportunities to women who otherwise might not have employment and it also instills a sense of pride in keeping a cultural tradition going. 

The clay they work with is the same clay that was used by the Maya to make pots and utensils. We purchase the clay raw.

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