Have you noticed we use the words Barniz de Pasto and Mopa Mopa interchangeably throughout our website and blogs? Let me take a moment to clarify the differences between these two phrases used for describing a centuries old craft, starting with Mopa Mopa.
The tree
Mopa Mopa is the name of a resin that is produced by the Mopa Mopa or Elaeagia pastoensi and Elaeagio Utilis trees. native to Colombia, Ecuador, Panamá, and Peru. Elaeagia pastoensi is the species generally used for making Barniz de Pasto.
The Varnish
Barniz de Pasto translates to Varnish of Pasto. A varnish is a resin applied to wood usually for protection from the elements, but also for giving wood a beautiful finish. In the way varnish is used today, say in your local hardware store, it is a yellowish, transparent and viscous liquid.
Your typical hardware store sells polyurethane or other artificial varnishes. The only natural option available that I have seen is Shellac which comes from an insect. But, outside of your typical hardware store there are many varnishes that are made of more natural resins. Pine, rosin, amber, balsam or other natural resins are dissolved in an organic solvent such as alcohol or petroleum to make them into a material that behaves like a liquid that can be painted onto a surface. These kinds of varnishes are highly flammable due to the solvent, and remain this way until the finish is completely dry.
The Barniz De Pasto
The resin from the E. pastoensi or E. Utilis do not require a solvent to be used, as they are not actually used as a liquid for application. The resin is heated in boiling water for a few minutes and becomes gummy, then very stretchy (for more details, refer to this video of Jesus Ceballos link). After a colorant is added, the resin is stretched into a thin sheet, then the decoration is cut with an exacto type knife and attached to the item to be decorated. Amazingly, all that is needed to adhere the Mopa Mopa resin to the wood form is heat applied with a hand, forearm or an electric heat source.
The wrap
In conclusion, Mopa Mopa is the resin used while the art is Barniz de Pasto, however both are used interchangeably. Now, if you find yourself on a television quiz-show, you can explain the origins of these two phrases, and rest soundly knowing that you know the difference between Mopa Mopa and Barniz de Pasto. Thank you for reading!
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