Weathered Tin Protective Hand Taper Holder

Employed by the Aztecs as a form of currency, mined and exported by the English, and surging in popularity in the 1930s via the collections of artists and intellectuals, tin has been an important part of the Mexican economy for centuries. Known locally as hojalata, tin work is primarily done in Guanajuato, Jalisco and Oaxaca.

Our designs are individually hammered, with the hand form serving as a protective charm to bring good luck, fortune, and to repel negative energy and harm. The popularity of the hand symbol is also traced back to a 1939 trip to Paris where Frida Kahlo was gifted a set of earrings by Pablo Picasso.

These custom candleholders fit a standard size taper and are made with tin that’s been given an aged feel by burning it in a wood fire. After this, they’re treated with a protective coating to keep rust at bay. Our taper holders can also be custom made by special order in solid copper or brass. Contact us directly for details – prices for all variations in the drop down menu below.

Artisans
This family of tin workers collaborate in their family workshop as three generations. Both skilled and experienced, they create a range of pieces, including boxes, mirrors, earrings, napkin holders and layered works that are incredible examples of the profound creativity that abounds in Mexico. As with all of our custom designs, we collaborate with these artisans directly, and they name their own pricing and are able to work at their own pace from home.

Care
These pieces should be stored in a dry location, in order to to prevent rust. If they’re being stored together, they should be wrapped in paper, in order to keep the finish from scratching. To remove dust, they can simply be wiped with a dry cloth.

Note
The noted price is for a single protective hand taper holder in weathered tin. The price is slightly higher for solid copper or brass. Given the nature of handmade, the sizes, patterns, finishes and hues may vary slightly from the featured product image.

All noted prices are in USD and do not include shipping. Our website is not currently set up for e-commerce. Please contact us at [email protected] for ordering and shipping details, as well as wholesale information.