The artisans of Union Progresista Artesanal (UPA) in Mexico make jewelry using silver, brass, or a metal alloy called alpaca, which is a combination of copper, nickel and zinc.
Gorara and palewa, two types of soapstone, are extracted from a nearby quarry. Stone pieces are then refined, using some electric tools and some hand tools.
The Raffia palm is a grass-like plant native to Madagascar that is used for weaving and crocheting. To give the rafia its color, it is gathered and soaked in buckets of water.
