PUBLICATIONS
July 2002 Issue
The Geographical Review
July 2002, Vol. 92 (3), pp. 354-371
MUEBLES RUSTICOS IN MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES
JOHN HARNER
Keywords: folk art, Mexico, rustic, Santa Fe style, wooden furniture.
ABSTRACT:
Sales of "muebles rústicos," or
rustic wooden furniture made in Mexico, have grown rapidly in the
United States since 1994. Analysis of the recent rise of the industry
tracks manufacturing and marketing methods in major production areas
of Mexico. Consumer taste for "authentic" handmade goods of
simple design and the vogue of the "Santa Fe" style across the
American Southwest mesh with Mexican producers' need to seek
foreign markets during an economic crisis. Changing style
preferences, along with the furniture's handcrafted appearance,
its competitive cost, and the makers' flexible production methods
are reasons for the increased popularity of this folk commodity.
Keywords: folk art, Mexico, rustic, Santa Fe style, wooden furniture.
ABSTRACT:
Sales of "muebles rústicos," or rustic wooden furniture made in Mexico, have grown rapidly in the United States since 1994. Analysis of the recent rise of the industry tracks manufacturing and marketing methods in major production areas of Mexico. Consumer taste for "authentic" handmade goods of simple design and the vogue of the "Santa Fe" style across the American Southwest mesh with Mexican producers' need to seek foreign markets during an economic crisis. Changing style preferences, along with the furniture's handcrafted appearance, its competitive cost, and the makers' flexible production methods are reasons for the increased popularity of this folk commodity.