Oaxacan Clay Loop-Handle Vase

A fifth-generation ceramist from Santa Maria Atzompa, Rufina Ruíz López has dedicated her life to preserving one of Oaxaca’s oldest pottery traditions. Her small-batch creations—ranging from candle holders and clay vessels to her signature incense burners—are deeply tied to the land and her ancestral heritage. “I knew what I was going to do even before I was born,” Rufina says. “Artisans are made in the womb.”

Working entirely by hand, Rufina digs, mixes, shapes, and fires her own clay, each step guided by the wisdom passed down through generations. Her deep connection to the earth and devotion to her community have helped revive ancient techniques that were once on the verge of being lost. Through her leadership and generosity, Rufina continues to empower other women and young artisans, ensuring that the story of Atzompa pottery endures—rooted in culture, family, and the enduring magic of Oaxacan clay.