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Description
Hundreds of years before colonial times left their indelible mark of magnificent constructions and sites, native artists had already displayed their tremendous skill and creativity, by working in stone, even before they were familiar with the iron tools used in Europe, which would have made their work so much easier. So it was then, that conquerors did not need to introduce any new architectural techniques to America. All they had to do was transform and manipulate the existing resources found in the new land, as well as to exploit the native's manual abilities.
This is why most of the constructions dating back to colonial times took on such a personal touch, so different to the atmosphere found in Europe. Creole architects were able to instil these sites with their own transforming, creative spirit, through the hands of indigenous stoneworkers, skilful and capable men who created wonderful sites such as the frets found in Mitla, the creation of the baroque portal found in San Agustín, la Soledad porch, and the portal of San Francisco, all built during colonial times. True re-construction of parts of 400-year-old monuments, such as the Cathedral towers and the Palace of Powers has been made possible because of their talent.
Pre-Hispanic and colonial constructions are proof of the extraordinary skills that Oaxacan stonecutters possess. Their labour has been slowly replaced with concrete buildings, in which the exactness of stonecutting, the smooth surface of quarry stone, the mathematical precision of the joints and grace of the moulding and reliefs that give the Oaxacan stonecutter an undeniable artistic character is not to be seen.
Location
Stone cutting work is seen on every colonial building throughout the entire State of Oaxaca.
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