Votive Object of a Praying Man
Place made:Ecuador
Culture: Ecuadorian
Date: early 19th century
Medium: Silver and ribbon
Dimensions:
h. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); w. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); d. 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Friends of Folk Art
Object number: 91.84.2
Label Text
Although votive offerings to show thanks for miracles received or in anticipation of future favors were used by pre-Columbian people, the roots of this rare nineteenth century example are from the Mediterranean region, especially Spain. Throughout Latin America, small votive objects such as this are still pinned to the hems of special saints to express thanks. Every five years or so, after thousands of these "milagros" have been assembled, the church removes them from the image and either sells them to local jewelers, who melt them down for their silver content, or they are displayed, mosaic fashion, in outer rooms. (Marion Oettinger, 2005)
On view
In Collection(s)
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
