Art
Pair of Vintage Mexican Amate Bark Paintings
- Item Number
- 165
- Estimated Value
- 125 USD
- Sold
- 35 USD to cooperstown1
- Number of Bids
- 1 - Bid History
Item Description
This type of painting is traditional to Mexican culture. The donor bought these 40 years ago in Mexico around Merida.
The bark paper on which these paintings are done is called "amate" and is made by extracting the fibers from the bark of various native trees, usually Mulberry, Nettle, and Fig. The use of lighter and darker fibers from these different types of bark creates the marbled effect visible in this piece. Similar to other types of paper-making, the fibers are beaten into a pulp and then molded into shape to dry. The production of this paper goes back centuries and was used by both the Aztec and Mayan peoples.
The brightly colored designs typical of this type of bark painting are the specialty of the Nahua people of Guerrero, Mexico. The style was adapted from designs typically used to decorate pots and other utilitarian objects. The large painting depicts three types of birds on a floral background. The small painting features two types of birds and a set of pack animals, also on a floral background. Animals, birds in particular, are very popular motifs in this genre.
Check out this website which has some great videos about Amate bark painting!
Large Painting - Framed 24.25" x 32.5"
Small Painting - Framed 19.75" x 27"
Item Special Note
Winning bidder responsible for mailing costs or pick-up
Donated By:
Elizabeth Harvey
Cooperstown Graduate Association stores data...
Your support matters, so Cooperstown Graduate Association would like to use your information to keep in touch about things that may matter to you. If you choose to hear from Cooperstown Graduate Association, we may contact you in the future about our ongoing efforts.
Your privacy is important to us, so Cooperstown Graduate Association will keep your personal data secure and Cooperstown Graduate Association will not use it for marketing communications which you have not agreed to receive. At any time, you may withdraw consent by emailing Privacy@frontstream.com or by contacting our Privacy Officer. Please see our Privacy Policy found here PrivacyPolicy.