Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Monk. Mexico 1979. Measures about 9" in height by 4.5" long. Very good condition.
This vintage hand-carved figure is a soulful piece of Mexican devotional art, dated to 1979. Standing nine inches tall, the sculpture depicts a monk lost in a moment of quiet contemplation while reading a sacred text. The carving style is characteristic of the high-quality artisanal woodwork emerging from Mexico during the late 1970s, blending a rustic, folk-art sensibility with a refined attention to human posture and drapery. Crafted from a single block of warm-toned wood, the figure showcases a beautiful natural grain that flows through the curves of the monk’s hooded habit and the pages of his book.
With its peaceful subject matter and mid-century provenance, this carving is a premier "scholarly curiosity" for a library or a private study. It serves as a perfect bookend or a contemplative desk companion, fitting seamlessly into a Dark Academia or traditional European-inspired interior. The piece is in very good condition, with the wood remaining supple and free of significant drying or cracks. The hand-carved details—from the serene expression to the textured edges of the book—remain sharp and well-defined. This is a meaningful find for collectors of religious folk art, Mexican woodcraft, or anyone looking to add a sense of quiet, academic gravitas to their home decor.
This item is vintage, over 45 years old.
