DepartmentEurope

Drummer and Drum

NameFigure

DateLate 1970s - early 1980s

MediumCeramic, wood, fiber, paint

DimensionsDrummer: 12 15/16 × 5 11/16 × 4 3/4 in. (32.8 × 14.5 × 12 cm)
Drum: 3 15/16 × 1 5/8 × 1 5/8 in. (10 × 4.2 × 4.2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of Bob and Marge McCarthy, A.2011.38.25

Terms

Aups

Object numberA.2011.38.25ab

ProvenanceThe tradition of making santons ("Little Saints") in Provence, France began after the revolution when it was forbidden to have the creche figures in churches. People made them at home of wax or wood or ceramic and added local figures bringing gifts to the Christ Child. See paperwork in file titled "How Santons Are Made" and "How Mamie Martin Santons Are Made."

DescriptionStanding drummer(a) holding drum stick. His brown drum(b) has a shoulder strap and some red and yellow yarn decoration. He has a painted face, hands and shoes. He is wearing a black felt hat with a red band, a white shirt, purple patterned vest, white pants, red belt, a deep purple jacket and a red spotted tie. The base is signed "Mamie Martin M.O.F." and "VII."