Behind the Design

Religious Folk Art from Mexico

July 15, 2013

Religious Folk Art from Mexico is a popular theme in interior design today due to its ability to bring comfort, warmth as well as personalized simplicity to your home. Sometimes a piece of art can make or break your space; however you can't go wrong by incorporating something that is special to you, such as a collection of religious crosses and icons.

Debra of Acquired Objects shares her thoughts on decorating with religious folk art, "Incorporating spiritual objects brings a sense of warmth without having devout reasons. Most people like me collect for aesthetic, not religious, reasons. Pieces should be looked upon as art having dimension and texture. I use religious pieces to bring in warmth from the rich colors and depth."

One of Mexico's oldest religious traditions is elaborate sacred hearts, which have long been considered a cornerstone of popular Mexican folk art. The folk art is frequently attached to altars, shrines, and sacred objects found in places of worship. Carved representations of Mexico's most famous religious icons have also long been used in Mexico's churches and on altars and they are beautiful displayed in any room of your home.

Many folk art pieces are painstakingly adorned with tiny brass figures known as "Milagros". The numerous tiny images nailed into each piece of wood represent prayers and thanks for life's tiny miracles and gifts of heaven.

Apart from the contemporary use of Milagros as decorative elements, the use of Milagros is a folk custom in parts of North, Central, and South America traceable to ancient Iberians who inhabited the coastal regions of Spain. The use of Milagros accompanied the Spanish as they arrived in Central and South America. Although the custom is not as prevalent as it once was, the use of Milagros continues to be a part of folk culture throughout numerous regions around the globe.

Another type of Mexican Religious Folk Art that you may wish to consider is Traditional Mexican Nichos. Nichos are considered household altars and usually depict religious figures such as the Virgin of Guadalupe or patron saints, but can vary with other themes like Day of the Dead and Loteria. They are used as shrines for protection or devotional objects, and are therefore expertly handmade from tin and glass with beautifully painted depictions.

Nicho art originated as a popular adaptation of the Roman Catholic retablo tradition of painting patron saints on wood or tin. Unlike the large, flat panels of retablo, nichos are small and built in shadow box style. Common structural conventions include hinged doors, carved borders, and multiple panels. Nichos are usually painted with striking colors, often contrasting bright and dark. In addition to painted designs, nichos are decorated with all variety of images and objects from religious and popular culture, especially depictions of the Virgin Mary, saints, the sacred heart, figures from loteria, Dia de los Muertos characters and objects, and folk heroes.

La Fuente Imports is proud to offer a beautiful selection of Religious Folk Art for all your decorating needs.

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Religious Folk

Small Black Heartwith Silver Milagros
10% OFF

Small Black Heart
with Silver Milagros

Item Number: MIL03D
5 1/2"W x 8"H

(2)
Sale $53.95
Reg. $59.95
30% OFF

"Bless my Home" Nicho

Item Number: TGN009
6"W x 11"H

 
Sale $48.97
Reg. $69.95
Talavera Cross

Talavera Cross

Item Number: THC38B
5 1/2"W x 7 3/4"H

(5)
$24.95
Red Winged Heartwith Silver Milagros
10% OFF

Red Winged Heart
with Silver Milagros

Item Number: MIL16
12 3/4"W x 7"H

(2)
Sale $53.95
Reg. $59.95
Virgen Heart Nicho
30% OFF

Virgen Heart Nicho

Item Number: TGN031
8"W x 11"H

(1)
Sale $48.97
Reg. $69.95
Talavera Tile Cross:Natural Finish

Talavera Tile Cross:
Natural Finish

Item Number: TTC010
View Sizes and Prices

(2)
$79.95 - $94.95
Small Black Heartwith Gold Milagros
15% OFF

Small Black Heart
with Gold Milagros

Item Number: MIL03B
5 1/2"W x 8"H

(2)
Sale $50.96
Reg. $59.95
30% OFF

"Protect Me" Nicho

Item Number: TGN011
6 1/2"W x 12 1/2"H

 
Sale $59.47
Reg. $84.95
Talavera Cross

Talavera Cross

Item Number: THC60B
5 1/2"W x 7 3/4"H

(8)
$24.95

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