Tépetl, a Nahuatl suffix associated with volcanoes and mountains, embodies the ancient act of grinding for sustenance. Crafted by the skilled artisans from Taller de Obsidiana in Teotihuacán, this sculptural piece, composed of two contrasting geometric forms, evokes the spirit of ritual objects in which the marks of use will establish the upper and lower face of the pestle over time.

Its formal simplicity allows the material to speak for itself. The matte pestle, a testament to the delicate touch of the artisan, rests elegantly nestled in the bowl carved within the mirror finished block base. This interplay between the smooth and the rough, between the functional and the contemplative, creates a dialogue between two possibilities of obsidian black exploring the duality of form and purpose.

Commissioned by Design DECODE for the third DECODE Group Show in 2024. Production limited to one piece (I/II) auctioned in benefit of Museo MARCO’s educational programs, and one author’s copy (II/II) with each serial number laser carved.

PHOTOGRAPHY – Topacio Cuevas, Gerardo Cuevas, Dave Monteverde,  Nydia Lilian Cavazos

THANK YOU

Taller de Obsidiana, Topacio and Gerardo Cuevas, Jorge Diego Etienne, Alexis del Toro, Ximena Viades, Design DECODE, and Festival Cuadrante.