Basketweaver

NameFigure

DateLate 1970s - early 1980s

(not assigned)AUps, Cote d'Azur, France, Europe

MediumCeramic, wood, fiber, paint

DimensionsBasketweaver: 10 3/16 × 5 1/8 × 5 11/16 in. (25.8 × 13 × 14.5 cm)
Stool: 2 15/16 × 2 9/16 × 2 3/4 in. (7.5 × 6.5 × 7 cm)
Basket: 5 1/2 × 2 3/16 × 2 3/4 in. (14 × 5.5 × 7 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of Bob and Marge McCarthy, A.2011.38.26

Terms

Aups

Object numberA.2011.38.26a-c

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."

DescriptionOlder man(a) sitting on wooden stool(b) weaving a basket(c). He has a painted face, hands, shoes. He is wearing olive pants, a brown belt, tan and navy vest, plaid shirt and a patterned tie. He has a black felt hat and is holding a piece of basketry material as part of the basket he is weaving that sits on his knees in front of him. The stool is brown, has three legs and is signed "Mamie Martin M.O.F."