decorative sculpture

Mauricio Morales crafts a small ceramic bird figurine that features exquisite hand painted detailing. "The process for making these small animals was something I learned when I was small...since then it has become a passion of mine," says the Guatemalan artisan, adding that the bird sculpture is made for, "...all of those who love birds." He starts by mixing the clay and carefully shaping the figure, and then he adds aluminum legs and feet. After the bird is fired, he sands it, mixes his own colors, and paints the figurine. The result is a charming and precise depiction of a eastern bluebird complete with a rust-colored breast and throat and vivid blue shading on the wings, tail, and head.

This pretty young lady is the creation of El Salvador's Marcela Moran. She crafts the decorative accent from handloomed cotton, with a basket woven of yagua palm fiber on her head that holds small ceramic fruits. The collectible doll is secured to a guava wood base.

If you're looking for a decorative accent that will add character to your spaces, look no further: this outstanding owl-shaped ceramic figurine will give you that extra touch of rustic feel you are after. The light blue figurine is the creation of Guatemalan artisan Jose Arriola, whose ceramic work is original and distinctive as it follows the traditional way the Mayans worked with this versatile material.

This charming wall art captures the heart of Christmas with a wonderfully whimsical nativity scene - Joseph standing alongside Mary, who is tenderly holding baby Jesus under the bright guiding star. The contrast between the hand-molded ceramic figurines and the intentionally distressed wood background creates a delightful rustic aesthetic that brings warmth to any holiday display. Each character showcases remarkable attention to detail in both form and paint work, with subtle touches that reveal the careful handcrafting process. Guatemalan artisan Liz Oliva creates this endearing decorative accent, perfect for adding character to your space and seasonal decorations.

"One of the customs we have inherited from our Maya ancestors is to give thanks to Ajaw or God every morning when we wake up and before we eat. We do it by crossing our hands over our heart and bowing, and we also use this gesture to greet our elders," says Jose Canil Ramos as he explains his inspiration. "That's how I came up with the idea of crafting a kneeling angel expressing gratitude the same way we do." Canil carves the sculpture from local pinewood and paints it with vivid detail.

Guatemalan artisan Mauricio Morales creates a kingfisher looking for tasty morsel in this ceramic figurine. This lovely bird is hand sculpted and hand painted with meticulous detail to capture the species' likeness. Ready to be posed in your home or patio, the aluminum wire legs and feet can bend to position the bird to your liking.

Over the centuries, the countries of Central America have been adapting and modifying Catholic imagery in their own ways. The old Spanish Baroque influence is seen in this cedar wood folk sculpture of the archangel Gabriel by Huergo and Menchaca of Nicaragua. But the decorative style and facial expression show indigenous and even Caribbean influence as well.

Gabriel, the heavenly messenger represents a pure spirit created by God. He is first mentioned in the book of Daniel. He appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist and later to Mary, to tell her she would be the mother of Jesus. The patron saint of communications workers, Gabriel's feast day is September 29.