Gourds, the hard shells of certain squash-type fruits, have been used in Mexico since antiquity as bowls, cups and small storage vessels. Today they serve many other uses, including children's rattles, maracas and even hats.

The most eye-catching decoration technique is the lacquer process, in which the outside of the gourd is coated with layers of paste or paint, each left to harden before the next is applied. The final layer is painted with artisan's chosen design, then coated with oil varnish to seal the lacquer. All this makes the gourd nonporous and, to some extent, heat resistant. The painted designs often show birds, plants or animal, but the possibilities are infinite.

The majority of lacquer ware that can be seen in Mexico are coming from Olinalá, in the north-eastern part of Guerrero state. Other centers are Chiapa de Corzo in Chiapas, and Uruapan and Pátcuaro, in Michoácan.

Among the finest wooden crafts made in Mexico are the polished palo fierro (Ironwood) carvings done by the Seri people of the north-western state of Sonora.

Other woodcrafts are the brightly painted copal animals and dragons, called alebrijes, produced in Oaxaca.

Finally, Mexico's finest guitars are produced in Paracho, near Uruapan in Michoácan, which also turns out violins, cellos and other instruments.