Mexican bark painting is also known as "amate" painting. "Amate" is Spanish for fig tree, and is derived from the Mayan word "amatl."
After the bark is boiled and soaked in water, it is pounded into fibers. The fibers are formed into sheets which are sun dried.
Amate paintings usually show a Mexican countryside, depicting a daily scene such as a wedding or fiesta. Sometimes the painting is of birds and flowers.
Mexican bark painting is found throughout Mexico. The town of San Pablito in the state of Puebla is famous for its production of the paper, while the state of Guerrero is famous for the artisans who use the paper as canvas.
While most Mexican bark painting artisans are unknown, a very few have gained recognition. The Camilo Ayala brothers are well known for their work. The Smithsonian commissioned two of Marcial Camilo Ayala's paintings.