1960s Villager Folk Art Set From Metepec, Mexico - Set of 6

Details

Description

The creation of pottery in Metepec maintains many of its traditional techniques which are passed down in pottery-making families known … Read more The creation of pottery in Metepec maintains many of its traditional techniques which are passed down in pottery-making families known for distinctive design, ornamentation and manufacture. These figurines were made by members of the Soteno Family as noted by the different facial expressions on the figures. They follow the traditions of their matriarch, Modesta Fernández, who began to experiment with decorative pieces in the first half of the 20th century.

The set is in very good condition and was collected in Mexico during the 1960s. The villagers (each over 1' tall) include a female with a harvested crop in her backpack, two women with lambs on their shoulders, a male with a large sombrero, a male flower vendor, and a male holding a harvested crop.

The bottom of one of the figurines says Mancera Arte de Mexico which is the label from a fine art retail store. Soteno Family artists have garnered acclaim both at home and abroad, and their work is included in museum collections in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa. This ensemble would be a fun addition to any public or private folk art collection.

Place of Origin: Metepec, Mexico

Date of Manufacture: 1960s

Condition: Very Good (See Notes)

Wear: Female figurine (far left with yellow hat in composite photo) has losses to a green leaf and slight retouching which is part of the harvested crop in her backpack. Female (fourth from the left in composite photo) has a lamb on her shoulder with losses and slight retouching to its ears. All pieces were painted with aniline dye and should not be displayed near direct sunlight to avoid fading. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions:
Each Piece (Average Dimensions):
13.5 in. H X 5 in. Diam. (Body), 4 in. Diam. (Base)
6 separate pieces, all similar in size

Display Space:
Minimum 2 - 3 ft. wide display area recommended.

Provenance:
This amazing set has been part of the private collection of Dean Warner since the 1950s. Mr. Warner (1931-2025) was a graduate of both Mexico City College and Thunderbird and a noted dealer in Pre-Columbian & Tribal Artifacts. He had galleries in Dallas and La Jolla, a client base that included private individuals and institutions, and served as an authority for authentication. In addition, events during the 1960s and 1970s were held to showcase his collection across the United States in retail establishments like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Shillito's and Higbee's among others. In retirement, Mr. Warner (T-Bird '57) continued to be an avid collector and served both as the Art Curator for the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of Arizona State University) and the Creator/Director of the The Global Market for ethnographic art and gifts which was founded in 1994. Many of the items he collected are now part of the permanent collection of the university.

Reference:
The Spirit of Folk Art, Henry Glassie; Mexico News Daily, Tree of Life Sculptures by Artisan Tiburcio Soteno put Metepec on the map by Leigh Thelmadatter; MexConnect, Mexico family roots: the Soteno Trees of Life; The British Museum; Textile Museum of Canada and the Gardiner Museum See less