Mexican Handmade Souvenir Of San Andrés Larráinzar, State of Chiapas

MEXICO. 
Wall Hanging Wood Plaque, c. 1980s. 

It took us a bit of sleuthing to verify that this charming folk piece originated from Mexico and not South America. Doing a search will first take you to San Andrés, Columbia, but that Caribbean island city did not look at all like the arid landscape depicted here. Several areas in Mexico are called San Andrés, named for Saint Andrew. Only one, though, is known for traditional musicians who wear woolen ponchos and distinctive flat hats woven from palm straw. In fact it is palm straw, or Mexican fan palm, that the creator of this handcrafted souvenir has portrayed next to the native musicians. That same raffia material is also what was used to collage this quaint rural scene. Cut out and adhered to the canvas of a carved, lightweight wood disk, all the separate shiny colored elements come together in harmony, bringing to life a wonderful tourist memento. But we did not revisit exactly which San Andrés in Mexico the item shows. It is San Andrés Larráinzar, in the south highlands state of Chiapas, a Tzotzil Maya community renowned for weaving and textiles. Musicians occupy a sacred role, performing at indigenous rituals, festivals, and ceremonies. A trip there would undoubtedly include taking in a show. This ready-to-hang piece that features two of them holding their native instruments would play very well with all existing decor. That brings up one other reason San Andrés Larráinzar might be on your radar. Negotiations between the Mexican government and an indigenous people called the Zapatistas were held here in 1996. The parties agreed to end hostilities and move toward a ‘generally peaceful’ coexistence. This was a better position for the factions to come around to, and something to further appreciate while gazing upon this serene artwork. [Condition: Used Very Good. No cracks, chips, or stains. Hanger well attached.] 

Condition: Like New. 
Local / Regional Areas. 
Dimensions: 6” diameter x 0.5” high / 4 oz