Equipale Furniture

This unique and interesting furniture is still

 manufactured by hand, much the same as it was 

during  Pre-Hispanic times,
with roots in Aztec culture dating back to the 1500s

In the town of Zacoalco de Torres, about an hours drive from Guadalajara Mexico, more than 300 families  manufacture this furniture for shipment
throughout Mexico and the United States.

The town has no factory.  

The Equipales are made by families in make shift tallers or workshops. 

The pine frame of the Equipale is joined together 

with cactus fiber known as ixtle.

and the seats are usually made from pigskin, 

which it is porous, allowing air and moisture to circulate, 

thus making it last longer.

Equipales can be found in a variety of artistic and rustic products and techniques, including tree bark, branches, weavings,

 palms and decorative paintings.

Equipale furniture is considered a part of the cultural patrimony of Mexico.  

These are things or objects that give a distinct identity to the country.  

Many of Mexico's cultural museums 

have coordinated exhibitions of Equipales 

to protect intact antique collections.

A chair, left outside can last at least 20 years.  

How about that for rugged patio furniture!

This set, I found on Ebay for $500 dollars.  

The owner stated that they purchased it in Rosarito Beach, Mexico, in 1985 

and have used it continually since then.

The patina seems to be more beautiful as the chairs age.

You can also paint or oil the furniture.

 My personal love for this furniture started in the early 80's 

when my husband and I took vacations to Cabo San Lucas 

and stayed at Palmilla.

 All of the hotels and restaurants had Equipale furniture.  

 It is really comfortable to sit on, 

especially after a couple of margaritas!

 Early California ranch houses were often furnished with Equipales.

 Will Rogers and his family lived in one of these wonderful ranches 

in Pacific Palisades.

 The Will Rogers Ranch is now a State Park 

and the house is open to the public for tours.

Wow... that is a rather large "dog" in the living room!

This traditional Mexican furniture pairs beautifully 

with Native American weavings

 Thomas Molesworth furniture

 vintage camp furniture

 and Old Hickory

And here is another bonus...Equipales are inexpensive!

A chair typically runs about $200 dollars

I recently purchased a set of 4 chairs 

and I can't wait to see how many different ways I can use them.

These may not be for everyone but they are unique and different.

I doubt we will be seeing them in the Pottery Barn catalog

...well then again,

never say never 

right?

~kelley~