This large hand-carved solar face is an example of the fascination with personified celestial bodies in Mexican folklore. The sun occupies an unusually complex place in Mexican folk tradition. It may appear as an echo of pre-Hispanic cosmology, a symbol of Catholic festival drama, a personified character in regional dance, or simply an auspicious image of light, life, and renewal.
Mexican celestial characters do not always appear in isolation. Regional dances may stage the sky almost like a cast of actors, assigning human performers to the sun, moon, stars or night. In the Michoacán Korkobi tradition, the moon is represented by a female character and the night by an owl, while old men become the stars.
Details
Origin: Mexico
Date: C.1940–1970
Material: Hand-carved wood with polychrome painted finish
Dimensions:Apx: 18.5 inches High, 10 inches Wide
Condition: Good vintage condition with age-related character. The backside shows some separation and old repairs / reinforcement. Structurally sound and suitable for wall display. Please examine photographs carefully.
