Tequila, Jalisco

Assistant name: Carlos Felipe Aguirre Leal

Her name is Janet Macías, and her husband is Carlos Aguirre.

Carlos began working with obsidian after his father, Salvador Aguirre, discovered a deposit of the stone on a piece of land. People came to his house offering to buy large quantities at very low prices, which sparked his curiosity. He started researching what obsidian was used for and found that it was commonly used in handicrafts. Instead of selling the raw material, he decided to learn how to work the stone—along with his children.

He brought in skilled artisans to Tequila, Jalisco, and thus became the town’s first obsidian carver. Over time, he and his children learned not only to carve small pieces but also to sculpt larger works.

At one point, Carlos approached the local government to ask for permission to exhibit his pieces in the main plaza of Tequila. At that time, tourism was still limited. To help support the workshop and provide income for the family, his mother, María, began making jewelry using the carved stones, setting them in silver and gold-plated metals. This diversification led to an expanded line of products.

She started crafting earrings, pendants, and bracelets—and that’s how Janet herself learned the craft they now showcase on their tables. Today, Carlos has been carving obsidian for over 32 years, and Janet has worked in the field for 17 years. Together, they continue to innovate in both sculpture and jewelry, honoring the legacy of Salvador Aguirre.