Fred Harvey Collection

Spanish Colonial objects from the Fred Harvey Foundation collection were donated to the International Folk Art Foundation and placed in the care of the Museum of International Folk Art in 1979 after having been on long-term loan for many years. The gift comprised 149 objects—primarily Mexican and New Mexican in origin—dating from the 17th through 19th centuries and including textiles, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, tools, costumes, and religious art. The collection reflected the artistic vitality of colonial artisans working far from European material and technical resources and included rare paintings on tanned hides, an extremely uncommon colonial medium. The donation ensured the long-term preservation, study, and public access to this important body of Spanish Colonial material culture.