James Ortega New Mexico Folk Santo — Hand Carved Wood St. Francis View Watchlist >
- Winning Bid: $260.00
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- High Bidder: Fuzzystuff
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Lot # L370
System ID # 25481646
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James Ortega New Mexico Folk Santo — Hand Carved Wood St. Francis
This hand-carved wood santo by New Mexico folk artist James Ortega depicts San Francisco de Asís with arms outstretched and small carved birds perched at each side. Ortega works in a rustic, vernacular style, using natural wood segments and a hand-tied rope belt to emphasize the organic qualities of the material. The figure’s simplified face, branch-carved limbs, and round-cut base reflect the longstanding devotional carving traditions of Northern New Mexico. The underside is signed “James Ortega”, confirming its attribution.
Artist Background:
James Ortega is a regional New Mexico folk woodcarver associated with the broader Ortega artisan tradition of the Chimayó and Española valleys. Active during the late 20th century, Ortega carved santos directly from natural wood, creating expressive devotional figures rooted in local spiritual heritage. His work reflects the rustic, sincere character of Northern New Mexico vernacular santo-making.
CONDITION
Excellent condition with no damage noted. Natural wood texture and minor tool marks are consistent with hand-carved folk pieces.
DIMENSIONS
8 1/2 in (H) × 7 in (W) × 3 in (D)
Soup can shown for scale.
Please Note: Soup for Scale
