Spanish Colonial, probably Mexico, ca. 1890s. A pair of very tall articulated wooden santos, one male and one female, likely intended to represent Mary and Joseph, both with articulated joints at the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Each one is finely carved and painted with blue clothing (though these were likely covered by additional fabric garments), gold sandals, brunette coiffures, a beard and mustache for Joseph, Mary's likely adorned by a veil. Both visages also present glass eyes and naturalistic features. Mary is further embellished with gold-toned earrings, and a rosary is suspended around Joseph's neck. Finally, each figure is attached to a custom stand. Size: Mary measures 10" W x 35" H (25.4 cm x 88.9 cm); Joseph is similar in size.
Santos played an important role in bringing the Catholic Church to the New World with the Spanish colonists. These religious figures were hand-carved and often furnished with crowns, jewels, and other accessories, usually funded by religious devotees, and were used as icons to explain the major figures - Mary, Christ, and the saints - to new, indigenous converts. Likewise, they served as a connection to the Old World for Spanish colonists far from home. They became a folk art tradition in the Spanish New World, from modern day Guatemala to as far north as New Mexico and Colorado. Many of them were lovingly cared for over the years, with repairs and paint added as they aged, and played an active part for a long time in the religious life of their communities.
Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection; acquired from Gary Hendershott about one year ago who acquired it from Rey Montoya, Sena Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico about 20 years ago (1999-2000)
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#152230
Condition
Normal surface wear with scuffs and chips to pigmentation commensurate with age. A few stable age cracks to the figures. Both figures are articulated at the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. There are perforations to the stands that were likely used for securing to display. Both figures were likely once "dressed" with additional garments and attributes.