Folk Art Santo – 15” Hand Carved & Painted Wood View Watchlist >
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Lot # H521
System ID # 23794565
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Folk Art Santo – 15” Hand Carved & Painted Wood
Hand-carved and hand-painted wooden folk art santo figure, carved from a single solid piece of wood with a detachable hand. The figure is shown holding a smaller doll-like carving, suggestive of a devotional or mother-and-child motif, and wears a long robe adorned with large painted flowers in vivid red, pink, and purple against turquoise blue. The shawl features traditional dot motifs, and the base is decorated with painted floral clusters.
This piece is unsigned but strongly reflects the tradition of santos (also called bultos), devotional figures created by santeros in Northern New Mexico and Mexico. Its geometric features, polychrome surface, and folk-art style align with 20th-century santo carving practices, while the bright floral palette is reminiscent of both New Mexican and Mexican/Guatemalan folk art traditions. A vibrant and expressive example of regional carving, equally suited for collectors of religious art or bold folk décor.
Condition
Excellent overall with no damage. Paint remains bright and intact. The removable hand is secure and functional.
Dimensions
- Height: 15 inches
- Width: 3 inches
- Depth: 4 inches
- Weight: 1 ½ lbs
(Shown with Campbell’s soup can for scale, not included.)
