The Spanish title “Virgin Inclinada” was given to this piece by the Montalvo Family. A golden halo surrounds the inclining head of Mary, whose face is so utterly calm that it is inspiring. The relief was carved from aromatic cedar wood, and finished with oil paints and gold leaf. The Cedar relief panel, ‘Virgin of Charity’ is framed in cedar wood and can be hung up by the metal hook in the back. It sells at a price of $129.95.
The Virgin of Guadalupe who was named as “Patron Saint of the Americas” by Pope John Paul II, is highly respected by the citizens of Mexico city and is the darling of their hearts. December 12 is celebrated as her birthday. The Virgin of Guadalupe’s famous image made an appearance on the outer parts of Saint Juan Diego’s garment. As proof of this miraculous appearance, Castilian would carry roses. Our Lady of Guadalupe sent the Saint to the bishop of Spain in order to convince the bishop to construct a building for a church that would be built in honor of the Lady. Ana Maria Gonzalez has been inspired by the highly respected Lady to make a decoupage collection of crosses in honor of her existence. And for one cross, Gonzalez chose the banner proclaiming The Virgin of Guadalupe as the “Reina de Mexico y Emperatriz de las Americas,” meaning as Queen of Mexico and Empress of the Americas. The Decoupage cross, ‘Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of Mexico’ sells for $27.95.
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.