The papermakers come from a small community of indigenous Otomi people who still uphold this ancient tradition of papermaking. The paper is made from the bark of the Amate wild fig tree (xalama), the nettle tree (jonote), and mulberry (mulberry or moral).
Each type of bark produces a different shade, ranging from coffee brown to silver white. The pulp from these types of bark is often combined to create a swirling marbled effect. The bark is first washed, then boiled for several hours in a solution of lime juice. It is cut into strips and laid out on a wooden board. The strips are then beaten until they merge and form the desired texture. The sheets are dried in the sun.
