Botella Guadalupana

This lovely figural holy-water bottle takes the form of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (aka the Virgin of Guadalupe). Such bottles are known as Botellas Guadalupanas. Designed in the 1930s in the Guadalajara workshop of Odilon Avalos Razo, who was a sort of Mexican national treasure. Founded in 1903, the the Avalos glassworks became famous for its colorful, handmade decorative glassware, especially during the mid 20th century. Hand-blown into a mold, with applied handle. Pontil scar on base.

This object is a wonderful example of syncretism, in which elements of one religious tradition are assimilated by another. The use of holy water by the Catholic Church draws on indigenous pagan European traditions of sacred, healing springs and wells. Similarly, Marian Apparitions (supernatural appearances of the Virgin Mary, such as that of Virgin of Guadalupe) have often occurred among peoples with their own, indigenous female deities.

2” x 5.5”