Embroidery

NameEmbroidery

Maker Policarpio Valencia

CultureHispano

Datebefore 1931

Place madeSanta Cruz, New Mexico, United States, North America

MediumCotton

DimensionsOverall: 48 1/16 x 26 9/16 in. (122 x 67.5 cm)

Credit LineH. Cady Wells Bequest, Museum of International Folk Art (A9.1954.59)

Object numberA9.1954.59

ProvenanceAccording to MOIFA’s records, H. Cady Wells of the Rio Grande Painters Group acquired this embroidery around 1953 from “a local native vendor.” He later gifted it to the Museum of New Mexico as part of a major bequest.

DescriptionValencia joined together two sections of woven rag rugs to create this textile. To the long sides, he added borders of needle lace with scalloped edges. He scattered embroidered animals, floral designs, and a few phrases across the main field. The textile is so faded, these elements are now difficult to see.