Marketplace

South of the Border

by Beth Vrabel

Local materials and ancient traditions inspire Mexican artisans to push the boundaries of imagination.

One standard that travelers can count on regardless of where they happen to be is Coca-Cola. A sip of Coke always tastes the same, right? Well, that depends on the sophistication level of your palate. Just south of the border, the soda is made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup and sold in vintage-looking glass bottles. Coca-Cola hecho en México has a cult-like following among folks who swear they can taste the difference. $35.95 for a 24-pack (plus shipping). www.beveragesdirect.com

During the early 18th century, missionaries brought colorful beads to the Sierra Madre Mountains with hopes of warming the native Huichol Indians. Christianity didn’t catch on among the Huichol, but the beads have become part of their culture. Beadwork bowls and figurines tend to reflect Huichol spiritual symbolism, including jaguars, turtles, eagles and peyote. Santos Bautista created this fierce-looking cat for sale through Peyote People, a fair trade co-operative. Santos Bautista jaguar (22 inches long, 6 inches tall and 3 inches wide), $365. www.peyotepeople.com

 

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