The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art displays a fascinating array of artifacts from the eighteenth and nineteenth century that reflect the growing diversity of culture in New Mexico -Pueblo, Spanish, Anglo, and Plains Indian culture.  Below are a small sample of artifacts we observed with a very smart and articulate docent.

On the left, an intricate altar-piece with candles holders for candles and prayer intentions. At the base, boxes of candles.

On the right an amazing three-foot cross, constructed of woven straw, so fine it pays tribute to the artisans that worked patiently to form it.

 

 

 

 

 

Below the comic portrayal of Dona Sebastiana, a ruthless purveyor of hard justice. Her victims lie beneath a stone floor, struggling as in a purgatorial or demonic environment. The wide range of punished victims suggests an almost indiscriminate dealing of judgment.

 

 

 

The painting of a warrior with a fish in his left hand, suggests an apostle, even St. Peter, backed by wings of angels.  This represents another cross-cultural hero like the many native heroes in Pueblo history.