Their tradition of copper work originated mysteriously over 1000 years ago. Some theories connect its origins with theappearance of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, a harbingerof peace and culture. Copper religious items, such as bells, first appeared and spread with his cults throughout Mexico. Other theories compare the techniques for working thecopper which appeared suddenly and without evidence of development.
The Purépecha developed some techniques for extractingcopper from rock as well as techniques for shaping it. Theworking of the metal had advanced enough that it was used forutilitarian objects as well as ornamental and religious ones. ThePurépecha made a number of objects from the metal includingaxes, boxes, fish hooks, knives, small bells, necklaces, braceletsand earrings. Copper was first worked by cold hammering but as copper loses elasticity as it is worked this way, heatingwas soon discovered to recondition it.The creation of objectsby casting was not common for copper but was used to make small delicate objects such as bells.