About the San Expedito Cooperative
The San Expedito Cooperative is a women’s ceramics co-op dedicated to producing high quality, artisanal Black Pottery. Made up of talented local artisans from the Las Cureñas community in the Department of Jinotega, we utilize traditional methods and designs to make Black Pottery the same way our ancestors did centuries ago. Each one of our pieces is unique and meticulously made by hand. From harvesting the clay in local mines, to firing each piece in hand-made artisan kilns, our complete process pays tribute to our heritage and the authentic production of Nicaraguan Black Pottery.
Luz Marina
President
Luz Marina is one of the founding members of the San Expedito Cooperative and has been working with Black Pottery in the Las Cureñas community for over 20 years. She is passionate about her community’s pre-Columbian craftwork, and has dedicated countless hours to pursuing Black Pottery production, growing the cooperative, and spreading awareness about the area’s unique artisan legacy.
Karina
Marketing
Karina grew up surrounded by the art of Black Pottery, and although she is a talented artisan, she also plays an important behind-the-scenes role in the community livelihood. She is active in promoting Black Pottery both locally and to international tourists, represents the cooperative in national craft fairs, and is always examining new ideas and possibilities for sharing her community’s heritage.
Zayda
Associate
Zayda first stared making Black Pottery when she was just 15 years old, learning the community’s tradition from other women in Las Cureñas while also developing skills through training workshops. A friendly face at the cooperative's workshop, Zayda believes Black Pottery is an important part of Jinotega’s heritage and feels blessed to be part of such a unique cultural craftsmanship.
Cooperative Associates
Lourdes
Vice President
Aura
Chair
Mélida
Fiscal Supervisor
Nuncia
Associate
Keyling
Associate
Lilliam
Secretary
Josefa
Security Officer
Ana
Education Officer
Tomasa
Associate
Isabel
Associate
Our Story
After years of struggle and practically no market for black pottery, the women of the San Expedito Cooperative continued to fight to keep our dream alive. This is our story.