Return to list

Maximón with chair

 
image 0
image 1
image 2
image 3
image 4
image 5
image 6
image 7
Zoom inZoom inZoom inZoom in
Zoom outZoom outZoom outZoom out
Go homeGo homeGo homeGo home
Toggle full pageToggle full pageToggle full pageToggle full page
Rotate leftRotate leftRotate leftRotate left
Rotate rightRotate rightRotate rightRotate right
Title
Maximón with chair
Description
A wooden figure of Maximón (San Simón) seated on a painted wooden chair. The figure wears brown cloth robes. Its face is painted with dark brown hair, eyes, eyebrows and a curling mustache, a light brown face and hands, and black boots. The chair is painted green. Maximón is a popular folk saint who is best known for blending the belief systems of the indigenous Maya and Spanish Catholicism.
Format Extent
1 wooden statue and 1 wooden chair; Statue: 26.7 x 15.2 cm (10 1/2 in x 6 in)
Subject
Christianity; Christian saints; Christian saints in art; Folk art; Maximón (Mesoamerican sacred figure); Maya mythology; Mayas; Santos (Art); Woodworking--religious aspects
Note
The mythical figure of Maximón (San Simón) is an important folk character who is regarded as a folk saint by the indigenous Maya, although banned by the Catholic Church. Maximón is believed to be a very powerful guardian figure who must be treated very respectfully in order for the prayers made to him to come true. Figures such as this would be placed on private community altars and venerated in opposition to the official Catholic Church. This figure is featured in Jim Pieper's book, "Guatemalan folk saints: Maximon/San Simon, Rey Pascual, Judas, Lucifer, and others" with the caption: "White Face Judge, possibly dressed in priest robes. Wood, fabric and paint. Ca. early to mid 20th century. Guatemala."
Collection
Jim and Jeanne Pieper Collection, AR-010, SS139
Donor
Jim and Jeanne Pieper
Type
Keywords
Geographic Location
Guatemala
Return to list