Mexican Santos Angel/Nicho Shrine Carved Wood Folk Art Antique Devotional c1900

  
This is a large and amazing antique Mexican folk devotional shrine consisting of a carved wood Santos angel figure displayed within an ornate nicho. The shrine is constructed in three separate components: the carved angel figure, the decorative nicho frame, and the altar-style base box. The angel is hand-carved from wood with a dove on its shoulder, with separately attached wings and retains traces of its original polychrome painted surface over a traditional gesso ground. The elaborately carved nicho features open scrollwork and architectural detailing typical of Mexican devotional folk art shrines used in private home altars. The dimensions are approximately: Angel. 14.5 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 4.5 inches deep. 18.5 inches wide, 6 inches tall, and 10 inches deep.

The shrine and angel figure are in good antique condition with wear consistent with age and devotional use. There are areas of paint loss, surface wear, and minor chips to the painted surface and carving. The figure, nicho, and base separate into three pieces as intended. Please review the photographs carefully for details of the condition, as the images are considered part of the description. Feel free to write with any questions you may have, and all reasonable offers will be considered.