Ceramic genre figures showing typical dress, occupations, and physical types are made in Tlaquepaque (Mexico), Mérida (Venezuela), Huancayo (Peru), Caruaru (Brazil), and dozens of other communities in Latin America. Genre figures because very popular during the early part of the nineteenth century when they were taken back to Europe and show to a public eager to learn about the newly independent Latin America. The wax figures of that time were strikingly lifelike, and served as models for later ceramic pieces. Today many of these figures are used in the construction of nativity scenes at Christmas, a tradition that dates back to the earliest part of the colonial era. Others are sold to tourists who take then back home as cherished mementos of a place or event.

Ceramic genre figures are very popular in northeast Brazil today, and an entire section of the city of Caruaru is dedicated to their production. Hundreds of people are involved, many who are direct descendants of Mestre Vitalino, this century’s most important figural ceramist. The café delivery scene shown here was probably modeled after and early piece by Vitalino and is a popular decorative item in northeast Brazil where many of the families are involved in cattle ranching.