The history of carpentry dates back to the earliest days of mankind, when the invention and use of hand tools marked the beginning of this noble activity. The first craftsmen to practice this trade were those visionaries who developed new tools to work wood more effectively. In the field of construction, the need to create wooden roofs and structures for homes gave rise to the profession of carpenter, thus establishing a legacy that endures to this day.
Carpentry is undoubtedly one of the oldest arts of humanity. A notable example that resonates in popular culture is the carpenter Joseph, a historical figure from approximately 2,000 years ago, known as the father of Jesus and mentioned in the Bible. However, this is not the first carpenter in history.
Recently, a group of scientists made a key discovery in Germany, where they found what could be the first examples of carpentry in the world, dating from between 5,469 and 5,098 BC. These discoveries include 151 oak trees preserved in a flooded environment, which display both the wooden architecture used and the technological capacity of humans 7,000 years ago.
The discovery is related to the excavation of old and enormous oak trees cut down by a Neolithic farmer, who used stone axes, alluding to a time when carpentry was carried out exclusively by hand. This aspect highlights the importance of the figure of the apprentice, who has accompanied the carpenter throughout history. Generally, the apprentice was a son or a young man to whom knowledge, traditions and the art of carpentry itself were transmitted.
In the development of all cultures, the learning of carpenters went hand in hand with their own experience, and with the help of an apprentice this noble trade was passed down from generation to generation.
This noble craft has been passed down from generation to generation, but not without undergoing significant evolution. The carpentry of yesteryear, characterized by manual work, contrasts with today, where technology and machines have optimized the production process, offering greater ease and speed in the creation of furniture and decorative objects.
The development of wooden furniture manufacturing reached great prominence in Europe from the Renaissance onwards, with Italy and France at the forefront. During the Rococo era in the 18th century, this practice reached its peak, marking a milestone in the complexity and refinement of luxury furniture manufacturing, a standard that has hardly been surpassed. Originally, the term cabinetmaking referred to the creation of furniture with fine woods, such as ebony or mahogany, which shows the appreciation for quality and design in this art.
In Mesoamerican cultures, carpentry also fulfilled social, religious and economic functions. This duality is evident in the distinction between the furniture of the general population and that of the ruling and religious classes. Chroniclers of the time, such as Francisco Javier Clavijero in his “Ancient History of Mexico,” documented the disparities in the quality of furniture. Clavijero notes that the common bed consisted of bark mats, while the riches of the elite were adorned with fine palm mats, cotton linens, and fabrics woven with feathers. The common bed was sometimes just a stone or a piece of wood, thus contrasting with the cotton pillows of the privileged. The daily life of the less fortunate was characterized by the absence of tables, as they ate on mats laid out on the floor, using stools made of wood or bark, known as “icpalli.”
The carpenter’s work has been, and continues to be, a reflection of human development, drawing a parallel between the evolution of techniques and social transformations throughout history. From its beginnings in prehistory to its contemporary role, this art has not only been a means of subsistence, but also a vehicle of cultural and social expression.
“As the history of carpentry developed, members of the guild were able to meet as early as the 13th century and over time form an organisation to regulate the profession. This led to the creation of a carpenters’ union in 1881.”
Genius of Japanese Carpentry. Secret of an ancient craft. Brown Azby. Editorial Charles E. Tuttle
The history of carpentry in Mexico is rich and diverse, with roots dating back to pre-Hispanic cultures. Since ancient times, Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Mayans and Mexicas used wood not only for the construction of temples and homes, but also for the creation of ritual and utilitarian objects. Carpentry was a highly valued skill, and artisans were considered important in their communities.
For the Mayans, the carpentry trade was not only a means of subsistence, but an expression of value and spirituality because the art of wood carving not only involved manual dexterity, but was surrounded by beliefs and rituals that marked its importance in daily life and ceremonial aspects. Mayan carpenters faced the belief that their work could bring illness or curses, which made it difficult to persuade someone to make idols or handicraft pieces.
The wood used in these works, especially the ceiba trunk, known as “the tree of God,” symbolized a connection with the divine and the transcendental. The making of each piece was carried out in a highly ritualized environment, where priests and elders, known as “chaques,” would retreat to a safe and sacred space to work, while offering prayers and performing purification ceremonies.
With the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, new carpentry techniques and styles were introduced, as well as tools that expanded the creative possibilities of carpenters. The fusion of these traditions gave rise to a distinctive colonial style, which can be seen in the architecture of churches, houses and furniture of the period.
This ceremonial and deeply spiritual approach is still present in the practice of carpentry today. In regions such as Tlaxcala, an important center of carpentry tradition in Mexico, pre-Hispanic heritage merges with European influences, generating a rich cultural heritage. The manual skills of the Tlaxcalans are manifested in the construction of a wide variety of woodwork, from utensils to furniture, which reflect both their history and their cultural identity. The use of local woods, such as ocote and cedar, together with ancestral techniques, gives each piece a unique and personal character.icraft pieces.alo duro, cedar and “tlaxixtle” (amelanchier denticulata is a native and emblematic plant of Tlaxcala) which for years was very significant for the economic development of the state.
In the region of Tlaxco, Don Miguel Ángel Márquez Sánchez together with his sons, create wooden crafts in their workshop, where the works that can be found are toys such as tops; beauty accessories such as earrings or bracelets; ornaments such as jewelry boxes or vases; furniture and various other products. But, without a doubt, the most curious thing is the “tlaxcomóvil”, a car built entirely of wood from a Volkswagen Sedan engine, an example of ingenuity, creativity and art. This handcrafted piece took three years to build.
With the exception of the traction, suspension, braking and electrical system, this device is made entirely of wood: handles, steering wheel, wiper, seats, hood, doors, awning, headlight bases, glove box, engine cover and trunk. The first change in the vehicle was to cover the base of the gas tank with wood and the rest of the modification was made with “ayacahuite” or pine planks, which are screwed to the metal structure of the former beetle. The vehicle is fully functional, it goes to exhibitions, cultural events and is also rented for parties, weddings and quinceañeras.
“Speaking in general terms about people, it is a bit difficult for someone to understand that this is an art, that this is beautiful, that this is creative, you don’t have time for leisure, this work requires all your attention and patience.”
Miguel Ángel Márquez.
Amado Márquez, Don Miguel’s grandfather, was the one who started carpentry at the beginning of the 20th century, and today his grandson and great-grandchildren continue with this life project. Don Miguel remembers that in May 1971 he was at CIME (College of Mechanical and Electric Engineers, A.C.) studying his first semester when he decided to drop out and continue with the family business. And although his family was very disappointed, he does not regret that decision, because he has always liked carpentry and has never, despite the difficulties and difficult times, thought about changing professions.
Today Don Miguel Márquez has been dedicated to carpentry for more than 50 years, a trade that he is passionate about: “my grandfather was a carpenter, my father was a carpenter, two of my sons are carpenters and it is the fourth generation of carpenters in the Márquez family.” They began working in the trade making furniture and repairs, today they work in the production of crafts.
Carpentry techniques have evolved over time, incorporating both hand and machine tools. The process begins with sawing, which can be carried out with a handsaw or a power saw. Screwing or nailing then secures the pieces together, followed by sanding to achieve a smooth, uniform finish; this last step is crucial, as it allows splinters to be removed and ensures user comfort. Finally, varnishing not only provides an aesthetic finish, but also protects the work from the effects of time and wear.
Over the centuries, carpentry has evolved in Mexico, adapting to social, economic and technological changes. Today, carpenters continue to be instrumental in preserving traditional techniques and creating works that reflect the country’s cultural identity. Many of them consider themselves artists, as their work goes beyond mere functionality; they create unique pieces that tell stories and transmit traditions.
The legacy of carpentry in Mexico is evident in the diversity of regional styles, such as the furniture of Oaxaca, the woodwork of Michoacán and the carvings of Puebla, among others. Each region has its own aesthetics and techniques, which enriches the country’s carpentry tradition.
Today, carpenters face challenges such as competition from industrialized products and the need to preserve ancestral techniques. However, many are committed to teaching their craft to new generations, ensuring that the tradition of carpentry lives on. Through workshops, schools, and communities, carpenters pass on their knowledge and passion, becoming guardians of an invaluable cultural heritage. The carpentry in Mexico is an art that has evolved over the centuries, fusing pre-Hispanic and colonial influences, and remains a means of cultural and artistic expression today.
MADEM Carpentry
Furniture, Crafts and Wood Designs
Gabriel M. Hernández No. 12 Fifth Section
Tlaxco, Tlaxcala. Mexico. Zip code 90250
Phone: +52 241.496.00.53