Arma Cristi with musicians

NameCross

Artist Artist Not Recorded

Dateearly 20th century

Probably madeCochabamba, Bolivia, South America

MediumMaguey wood, plaster, potato paste, paint, sheep wool

Dimensions18 7/8 × 13 3/16 × 5 5/16 in. (48 × 33.5 × 13.5 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Linda Alexander, A.2020.25.27

Object numberA.2020.25.27

ProvenancePurchased by donor in Cochabamba, Bolivia, 1990

DescriptionThis cross, or Arma Cristi, is comprised of wood, plaster, and paint. The body of the cross is covered in plaster and attached to a square base with a small altar at the bottom. The cross has the work “INRI'' written at the top, with the body of Christ painted in the middle. There are four rays coming from the center of the cross in red, yellow and black paint. The horizontal bar terminates on both sides with a hilt pattern. There are two musicians on either side of the base of the cross, and a small spotted cow at the front of the altar.