Medium barro rojo comal (or plate)

Description

These medium size barro rojo comals come from the town of San Marcos Tlapazola in Oaxaca’s Valles Centrales region. San Marcos is known for its distinctive form of burnished, fired red clay pottery. The work from the village remains largely unaltered by outside influences and retains rustic, traditional form.

These pieces were fired in an open fire, as is traditional, not in a kiln. They have surface irregularities, such as exposed sand granules, that are typical of the process and the type of clay used in San Marcos.

Each of the comals is about the same size and shape; there is some slight variation in dimension and form. They still do nest together nicely and could make a sharp set, or used individually. These are full-size dinner plates but aren’t as heavy as they look.

Comals are intended for cooking, not serving, but I use them as plates daily. They have an un-burnished, unsealed bottom surface that is a little rough. Oily foods in particular can leave stains on the surface of the comal; with use, the patina that forms can be nice.

In use over fire, clay comals like this are, in my opinion, the best way to cook tortillas and char peppers. This size of comal is perfect for stovetop use over a single burner.

Dimensions

Diameter: 33cm

Ordering

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Medium size comal made from red clay in San Marcos Tlapazola, Oaxaca.

Detail of bottom of medium size comal made from red clay in San Marcos Tlapazola, Oaxaca.

Detail of top of medium size comal made from red clay in San Marcos Tlapazola, Oaxaca.