Book of Alabados

NameBook

Maker Fabian Maez Family

CultureHispano

Dateca. 1900

Place madeSANTA CRUZ, NEW MEXICO, UNITED STATES, NORTH AMERICA

MediumPaper, leather, ink

Dimensions6 x 3 13/16 x 11/16 in. (15.3 x 9.7 x 1.8 cm)

Credit LineIFAF Collection, Museum of International Folk Art (FA.1990.50.1)

Object numberFA.1990.50.1

DescriptionLeather cover, dk. red; front cover, back cover w/flpa that folds forward to cover pages 2/3. Ruled pages covered w/handwritten song texts in pen. Yellow and sheets carry many notes, numbers, several dates, i.e. 1907. Accordian pouch atback end has single song sheet in it. See file for Remarks.

This handwritten book of alabados belonged to Fabian Maez, a member of the Santa Cruz morada (meeting house and local chapter) of the Penitente Brotherhood. It was passed down within his family. Los Hermanos Penitentes, as religious mutual aid societies within their communities, perform alabados during important religious observances, most famously during Semana Santa (Catholic Holy Week), and rites of passage, such as funerals. Handwritten books let Hermanos record and share hymns within their moradas and across generations.