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We import a fine selection of handmade folk art or handicrafts from Guatemala. The conquistadors did not destroy the indigenous art of the highland Mayans and thus Guatemala has an artistic tradition over 3,000 years old. Mayan Indian art and folk art combines aspects of their ancient beliefs with the religious teachings of the Catholic Church. The result is a synthesis of art, design, and thought combined into unique Guatemalan handicrafts and textiles. Handmade Mayan textiles seamlessly marry ancient and abstract modern art into truly distinctive pieces. We offer both handmade, modestly priced Mayan textiles, including huipils and one of a kind semi-antique handmade Mayan textiles. The hand carved wooden dance masks, colorful hand carved wooden animals and hand carved wooden santos or saints have traditions predating European contact. In addition, the hand carved wooden furniture, hand carved wooden boxes, and hand carved wooden candle holders are nearly identical to antique Spanish Colonial furniture. Time has a way of standing still in the mountains of Guatemala, evident by the Mayan ceramics or terra cottas still made by hand. Terra cotta angels, votive church models, crèches, and nativity scenes are classic examples of fine art in clay. Mayan art is both modern, traditional and abstract in it’s use of animals: chickens, bulls, toucans, deer, horses, donkeys, lions, turtles, opossum, armadillos, pigs, mice, owls, zebras, cats, and rabbits. On the unfamiliar side of their indigenous religion, Satan is alive and well and uniquely depicted in array of wood carvings. San Rey Pascual Bailon or the “Skeleton” is also depicted both in wooden masks, santos and votive skull terra cottas. Maximon or San Simon, carved as an alcoholic man sitting in a chair smoking a cigar, is prominently featured in wooden masks and wooden santos. The church of San Simon is very active in Guatemala today. Bruhos still function as conduits for prayers to both San Simon and San Pascual in addition to other lesser known folk saints/santos. Soon this art will disappear as the old artisans pass on and the young people move to the cities. We are only the temporary custodians of a very limited supply of Mayan folk art, handicrafts and unique textiles. We truly hope you enjoy this offering.
Click here to read about our worry dolls, stress balls, sweet hottie jewelry, and all of our boxes of Highland Mayan Treasures. read more >>
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Phone: (727) 210-1109 / Fax: (727) 210-0911 |
