Olinala is a largely rural region of the state of Guerrero, in the southwest of the United Mexican States (Mexico). Etymologically of Indian origin, the area derives its name from the Nahuatl (Aztecan) word ollinallan – which means “place of movement” – and is located five hours away by road from the country’s capital of Mexico City.
 
Olinala’s renowned products are made by a long and painstaking process (involving up to 29 separate steps) of carving, painting and the application of lacquer (a resin for varnishing derived from certain plants and insects).
 
During the manufacturing process of Olinala’s products, the wood is smeared with vegetable or insect oils before being covered in a thick paste that is made of raw materials based on minerals called tecoztle (a mix of two earths) in the Nahuatl language.