Vintage Pair of Puebla Indian Painted Pottery Candelabras, Mexico, ca 1930-1960s For Sale

VintagePair of Puebla Indian "Tree of Life" PaintedPottery Candelabras (8-1/2" tall), Mexico, Circa 1930-1960's

Thisvery charming pair of small "Tree of Life" potterycandelabras was made by Native American Indian potters from PueblaState, southeast of Mexico City. This candelabra form was originallymade in a much larger size with complex cherubs and many birdsattached with wires and were originally carried in funeralprocessions. The cherubs represented the soul, and the birds, itsascension to heaven. These older pieces were very charming with richpainted details and were sought out by visiting tourists andcollectors. As a result of the popularity of the pottery form,potters created these candelabras in all sizes with many variationsin the decoration and painting. Eventually, potters from many otherregions in Mexico imitated the form, but the form appears to haveoriginated in Puebla, and the Puebla style of painting is verydistinctive and recognizable. The pottery form represents aremarkable early fusion of Native and Catholic beliefs that beganshortly after the Spanish Conquest in the 1500's.

Condition: Excellent with no visual losses, chips, cracks, or repairs. Thepainted decoration has very minor wear and a nice older patina.

Dimensions: 8-1/2" tall; 6-3/8" maximum wide; 3-1/4" basediameters