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La Mano Poderosa
ca. 1875-1925
Attributed to Caban group
carved and painted wood with string and metal
10 1/4 x 5 x 1 1/2 in. (26.1 x 12.8 x 3.7 cm.)
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Teodoro Vidal Collection
1996.91.34
Smithsonian American Art Museum
2nd Floor, South Wing
The All-Powerful Hand symbolizes the wounded hand of the crucified Christ. On its fingertips are representations of the Holy Family. The infant Jesus' position on the thumb represents his importance, since much of a hand's function depends on the thumb. The Virgin sits atop the index finger followed by St. Joseph, as well as St. Anne and St. Joachim, Mary's parents. The inclusion of the extended family reflects the Latin American and Spanish regard for the family above the individual. In this santo, the red marks on the palm represent Christ's wounds. The two metal offerings in the shape of a leg and a human chest attached to the thumb were placed there by a worshiper whose ailments were healed.
For more information about this work visit the Luce Foundation Center.
Keywords
Figure group
Figure - fragment - hand
Recreation - church - prayer
Religion - New Testament - Christ
Religion - saint
sculpture
fabric - string
metal
wood
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