The original versions of the tree of life consisted of a clay tree (on a flat base) with its branches ending in candleholders. On this tree are leaves, mold made flowers and round balls (representing fruit) and often figures of Adam & Eve. Sometime in the 1940s it is believed Diego Rivera showed one Metepec family how to use aniline paints over a white background to create a bright polychrome effect. Rivera promoted the ceramic trees in Mexico City and collected them himself along with his wife Frida Kahlo.

In the late 1960s, the artists changed from aniline paints to acrylic because the older aniline paints faded or rubbed off when handled. Late in the 1960s and  early 1970s many of the trees were left unpainted to create a distinctive look.

Today, the trees of Metepéc (also crosses and trees of death) have become one of the most well-known objects in Mexican folk art and are collected all over the world. And artists in other parts of Mexico have begun doing their own renditions of Trees of Life (and death) using their own local techniques

Made of hand-modeled clay, some of the trees are fired and burnished, retaining a reddish terra cotta color, while others are painted with bright colors after firing. Human and animal figures, as well as floral and decorative motifs, festoon these objects that range from a few inches tall to 20 feet high.

For more than one hundred years, Metepéc has been known for its ceramic art and artists. Today its most distinctive product is the Arbol de la Vida, or Tree of Life, a clay sculpture covered with flowers and leaves and human figures. The inspiration for the trees has been attributed to Aztec customs and designs plus the teaching of Franciscan monks during the Spanish Conquest.

Jose Luis Serrano is a ceramic artist from Metepéc. He and his brothers are continuing the family tradition that for generations has been creating colorful Tree of Life sculptures. Luis specializes in unique versions of this traditional art form and has been awarded 1st place by FONART (Mexico’s Traditional Arts Foundation). His sculptures are sought out by collectors from around the world.

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The Tree of Life is more than a decorative object, it’s symbolism and function blend European and Indigenous Mexican culture. Throughout history trees have served as symbols of fertility and rebirth. The candelabras in the shape of trees did not appear in Mexico until after the Spanish conquest. Traditionally the decoration of the trees refer to the story of the Creation, the Nativity or the Resurrection, but imaginative artists constantly invent new subject matter.