19th-century Niña María

This hand-carved wooden figure represents the Virgin Mary as a child, known as Niña María, a revered devotional subject in Spanish Colonial art. Crafted in 19th-century Guatemala, the sculpture reflects the deeply rooted Catholic traditions of the region and its artisanal mastery.

The figure is rendered with delicately modeled features, including intricately carved hair, inserted glass eyes, and pierced ears—elements that suggest she was once adorned with earrings in accordance with local devotional customs. The statue retains its original polychrome surface, though with notable areas of paint loss—evidence of prolonged devotional use.

Rare for pieces of this age, all fingers remain intact, enhancing both its artistic and historical value. The serene expression and graceful posture convey a sense of innocence and sanctity, characteristic of religious sculpture in the Spanish Colonial tradition.

5.5x5x15H

DCAA