These pieces have been made by the Purepecha Indians of Central Mexico since pre-Columbian times. When the Europeans arrived in the 16th century, they found the Purepecha making domestic implements and weapons from copper found in local, above-ground mines. Father Vasco de Quiroga introduced a few refinements; however, little has changed in how the copper is worked and finished. Because the copper mines have long been closed, today the smiths gather and melt discarded copper for use in their workshops.

Cobre is a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation. They currently work with 7 different workshops that employ 1 to 7 artisans. Most of the people in the workshops are related, fathers, sons, uncles, cousins. Each workshop has its own style. One shop makes only small pieces, maximum 3" high, while another prefers to work in organic forms; pears, apples, gourds, squashes. Ramon's work is extremely fine with thin walls, while Antonio's work is thick-walled and monumental. Each piece is proudly signed by its creator.

Cobre wants the artisans who create these beautiful copper pieces to have the means to improve the standard of living of their families and communities. They've been a member of the Fair Trade Federation since 1995 and uphold their pledge to:

Pay a fair wage in the local context.

Provide equal opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged.

Engage in environmentally sustainable practices.

Build long-term trade relationships.

Provide healthy and safe working conditions.

Provide financial and technical assistance to workers whenever possible.

Fair Trade advocates agree that the producer should earn enough not only to cover material and labor costs, but also to improve the standard of living.