Central & South America
Expressions of Art and Self Adornment
Every object tells a story about culture in a specific region of Central and South America, including Mexico, emphasizing how certain aspects of the surrounding cultural or physical environment has influenced their clothing, jewelry, and expressions of art.
Feathered Neckband
Paraguay
String, Feathers
This would have been worn by a man during a ceremonial dance. The multi-layer necklace could also be used to communicate a warning to others by flipping one layer up.
Donated by Peter Kroeker
1970.07.003 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Sash
Andes, Ecuador
Wool
Located within the Andes, Ecuadorian clothing incorporates wool for warmth.
Donated by Alice Parker, Frye Collection
1989.02.001f Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Retablos
Retablos originally began in Spain during the early middle ages as paintings that hung behind the altar of a church. They evolved to encompass any painting with a sacred image. This tradition reached Mexico after its colonization by Spain, and has continued to be a vital aspect of its folk art. Retablos come in two forms, santos and ex-votos. A santos depicts hold figures, while an ex-voto celebrates miracles thought to have been performed by a religious icon. An ex-voto is often commissioned after surviving a threat to one's well being and typically hangs in a church.
Retablo of Saint Anthony
Mexico
Circa 1930s
Tin, Acrylic
An example of an ex-voto, the person who commissioned this retablo gives thanks to Saint Anthony of Padua for ridding them of serious illness. Dated 10 March 1933.
Donated by Richard Batchelor
2006.06.003 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Retablo of Raphael, the Archangel
Mexico
Tin, Acrylic
Donated by Richard Batchelor
2006.06.010 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Our Lady of Refuge of Sinners Retablo
Mexico
Tin, Acrylic
The image of Mary with a child is a popular retablo subject. In the Roman Catholic tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary is also known as her Latin title, Refugium Peccatorum, the Refuge of Sinners. She is considered to be a powerful intercessor.
Donated by Richard Batchelor
2006.06.021 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Dog Pottery
Toltec
Early Post-Classic Mesoamerica Plumbate Ceramic
Existing in Mexico from the 10th to 12th centuries CE, Toltec culture left behind many examples of pottery like this. In the Nahuatl language, the word "Toltec" is synonymous with being cultured and urbanite.
Transferred from the Ulrich Museum of Art, Aitchison Collection
1994.08.165 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Nativity Box
Unknown, Likely Peru
Wood, Paint, Metal
Popularized by artists in the Peruvian city of Ayacucho, these portable boxes often contain religious settings and can be placed on altars.
Donated by Evelyn Hatcher
2006.10.063 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Bracelet
Alt-Text: Loomed beadwork bracelet made of black, red, white beads. Tie closure on one side.
Peru
String, Vegetal, Glass Beads
Consisting of three different color beads, this would have been made on a loom.
Donated by Roy Parker, Robert Parker Estate
2005.01.019 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Bag
Andes, Ecuador
Wool
This bag would have held cacao beans, a major source of income for Ecuador and part of Ecuadorian identity.
Donated by Alice Parker, Frye Collection
1989.02.002 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Cap
Andes, Ecuador
Wool
This style of hat is iconic in the Andes. Its tightly woven, wool construction insulates the wearer from harsh mountainous weather. Various patterns and weaving styles distinguish between communities.
Donated by Alice Parker, Frye Collection
1989.02.001b Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Seed Necklace
Mexico, Tarahumara Culture
Located in the Chihuahua region of Mexico, the Tarahumara live on high plateaus in a cool climate not well-suited for agriculture. They grow maize, beans, squash, and potatoes where they can find fertile soil. They live in semi-mobile, small settlements called ranchos, with several other households. Originally, they lived in more hospitable areas before being removed by Spanish settlers. Most practice Roman Catholicism. Necklaces are often made out of available organic materials, such as seeds, wood, and fruit. They can take the form of rosaries or contain iconography.
Donated by Dr. Arthur Rohn
1975.03.018 Lowell D Holmes Museum of Anthropology
Sash
Guatemala, Circa 1950s-1980s
Cotton
Weaving is a vital part of Guatemalan culture, both before and after Spanish settlement. Most regions have unique styles of weaving with patterns influenced by nature in that geographic area. As such, the origin of a piece can be determined based on its color, pattern, and style.
Donated by Marian Cook
1994.05.001 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology