5 km north of Ocotal, this small village is best known for its production of ceramics, the sort of which can be seen hanging in homes and restaurants all over Nicaragua. Visiting a few makes a pleasant afternoon excursion for travelers sleeping in Ocotal. Colectivo de Artesanias de Mozonte is the largest workshop in Mozonte, and is located off the side of the highway. Other, smaller workshops can also be found all over town. Crafts are for sale at all the workshops. Perhaps more interesting than the pottery itself is the process by which it is made. Most of the artisans dig their own clay and use manual wheels instead of electric, and most workshops are completely family run, often with each member of the family manning a different stage of the production process. Those looking for unique pieces of art will likely be disappointed -- pottery designs tend to be standardized and homogeneous, and although these workshops are small family businesses, the ceramics they create look mass-produced.


It should be noted that although Mozonte’s residents are Chorotega descendants, a visit to Mozonte will not provide the traveler with “ethnic” photo ops – there is no visible evidence of this indigenous heritage in customs or dress.