Wood Carving of Human Figure

Wood Carving of Human Figure

Santo Figurine. Male figure, possibly representative of Jesus, dressed in a full length white robe with a yellow collar and brown cape with an orange lining. He has black shoulder length hair and a full well trimmed beard. Both arms are missing, the tip of the nose, the right foot and a chip from the back lower portion of the robe. There are many insect, wood boring holes visible throughout the piece. He is wearing a yellow belt and the right bottom corner of the cape has been tucked in the belt. Figurine is carved from a single piece of wood. Covered in plaster, or fresco material then painted. The facial coloration is very dark almost black. the wooden carved eyes are in a downcast position. The base has 2 small (nail?) holes and a 3/8" diameter wood peg inserted to fit below the base.
  • Object: Wood Carving of Human Figure
  • Artist: -
  • Circa: -
  • Dimensions: 13" high 5 1/4" wide
  • Culture Area: Southwest
  • Cultural Group: -
  • Cultural Context: Robin Farwell Gavin: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus. This figure usually has a green gown and a red cap. Left arm usually holds the christ figure and the right arm holds a flowering staff. Joseph's staff in the bible bursts into inflorescence indicating that he has been chosen. Phillipine in origin and brought by Manilla Galleon to Acapulco. Gloria Fraser Giffords: St. Jose 18-19th Century, Mexican?
  • Donor: David and Dolores Thomasson
  • Catalog #: 91.113