|
Artisan Woodcarver Reynaldo Santiago |
||
|
Of the three villages known for their wood carvers outside of Oaxaca City (Arrazola, La Unión Tejalapan, and San Martín Tilcajete), La Unión is by far the prettiest, and most remote. A collection of adobe houses sparingly dot the hillside, separated by milpas (corn and bean fields). Nestled in foothills of the Oaxaca valley, La Unión is culturally different than the other carving villages. Most woodcarvers who come from La Unión are subsistence farmers who maintain a self subsistence, made possible by good rainfall. Following the customs of the region, carvers still grow their own food, carry their own water, and herd animals as previous generations. As the area does not usually get any tourists, carvers must take their wares to into Oaxaca, a one-hour bus trip that entails fording a wide, shallow river. Reynaldo Santiago and his three brothers are part of an older generation that maintains a traditional and unique style of wood carving. Although he has kept his authentic style, Reynaldo Santiago has only recently traded the charm of aniline dyes (traditionally used) to paint with acrylic paints that offer long-lasting durability. Reynaldo's pieces are wonderfully expressive, and have a delightful primitive quality about them. The basic shape of each figure is carved from Copal wood in a few days and then hand-sanded and meticulously painted in great detail to give each piece a personality that shines through its wooden visage. Reynaldo himself is of the land--and his figures seem evoke the same quality. They are of the land itself--nothing commercial about them--they simply are what they are: earthy, raw and beautiful. |
||
|
To place an order, call (512) 474-8680 or toll-free (888) 474-8680 or email info@elinterior.com Although we do our best to keep our pages updated, please call or email for specific availability |
||
|
|
#RS01 El Conejo Chico - Miniature
Green Rabbit 3" H $28.00 SOLD |
|
|
|
#RS02 El Conejo Chico - Miniature
Red Rabbit 3" H $28.00 |
|
|
|
#RS03 El Conejo Grande - Large
Green Rabbit 8" H $78.00 SOLD |
|
|
|
#RS07 El Gato Chico - Small Cat 2.5" H $28.00 SOLD |
|
|
|
#RS08 El Gato Azul - Small
Reclining Cat 1" H $28.00 SOLD |
|
|
|
#RS05 El Venado Rojo - Red Deer 10" H $88.00 SOLD |
|
|
|
#RS04
- El Conejo
Amarillo - Yellow Rabbit 3" H x 1.75 w x 2" D $28.00 SOLD |
|
|
|
#OWC17 Painted Wooden Market Ladies by
Maximo Santiago Garcia - Relative of Reynaldo Santiago Beautifully painted and detailed, these market ladies are unusual examples of Oaxacan painted wood. 6"H #OWC 17a - Lady
Carrying Tomatoes - (Left) - SOLD |
|
|
|
#OWC18 Painted Wooden Market Ladies by
Maximo Santiago Garcia - Relative of Reynaldo Santiago Beautifully painted and detailed, these market ladies are unusual examples of Oaxacan painted wood. 6"H #OWC 18a - Lady
Holding Cucumbers - (Left) |
|
|
Last updated 9/19/11 |
||
|
El Interior |
||
