The Virgin Mary is shown as a child in this trio of images by Xochitl and Rafael. She is carried by angels in a pale purple sky. Her steadfast love is symbolised by the stars, glowing hearts and moons around her. The Spanish name for this series is “Virgin de amor”. The price for this ‘Virgin of Love’ (tryptich) is $144.95.
Mary was deep in her thoughts, while her baby was sleeping in her arms. The Montalvo Family illustrated a portrait of love and obedience to the God which was portrayed by the Virgin of Charity. The Cedar relief panel, ‘Inclined Virgin’ sculpture that costs $109.95 was crafted out of cedar wood, surrounded by bronze leaves, hand painted in oils. It was coated with lacquer to protect the carving and there was metal hook at the back to facilitate hanging.
This sese mask is presented by Bomukasa and Louis K. Botchway. It is a replica of those usually given to young females after undergoing certain initiation rites. The mask reveals expert worksmanship through the ornate details and unique use of organic dyes to render it. Females, both old and young, from Congo DR, Cameroon, and other Western African countries would come together for an initiation known as Hehle. The young females would undergo an inspection by a selected group of elderly women, as virginity was key in this ritual, and offer the results to only their respective clans. A mask would then be presented, being seen as an important symbol of honor. For this particular Congolese wood mask, ‘Congo Virgin’ it has a price of $49.95.
This gentle portrait, Cedar relief panel, ‘Virgin from the Countryside’, depicts Mary as an innocent country girl from Peru. A baby named Jesus is playing with Mary’s braids and hugs her neck with plump baby arms. Javier Ramirez’s work is sculpted in low relief, hand-painted and enhanced with bright bronze leaf. This sells for $152.95 and includes a hook on the back for wall hanging.
The Montalvo Family is a portrayal of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus at the apocalypse. The Cedar relief panel, ‘Virgin of the Apocalypse’ is based on that of Juan de Jáuregui, which was engraved in the 17th Century. The sculpture shows the Virgin protecting her Holy Child from a vicious seven-headed dragon, which is disturbing the family. Mary is shown in the heavens surrounded by sunlight and wearing twelve stars as a crown. She is seated above the moon. The selling price of this cedar wooden sculpture is $252.95.