Leoncio Martínez Signed Oaxacan Carved Painted Wood Figure of a Bearded Man, San Martín Tilcajete Mexican Folk Art

Description

Overview

This is a hand-carved and painted wood figure by Leoncio Martínez of San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca, one of the Zapotec villages at the heart of Oaxacan woodcarving. Tilcajete carvers are best known for brightly painted fantasy animals (alebrijes), but many also carve human figures and character pieces drawn from village life. This bearded man in a top hat, work shirt, white trousers and huarache sandals is a fine example. A companion figure by the same carver, an elderly woman with a walking stick, is listed separately.

Craft World Tours visited Tilcajete’s woodcarvers on the Wilsons’ 2009 “Christmas in Oaxaca” tour, on December 19, 2009, and their Oaxaca tours spanned many years. This piece is likely from the 1980s-2000s and is consistent with acquisition during those visits. It comes from the Craft World Tours Collection, assembled over four decades by Tom and Sherry Wilson.

Design & Craftsmanship

Function & Form: A standing figure, likely carved from copal wood, with the body and hat from a single block and the arms carved separately and attached. Both forearms reach forward: the right fist is curled as if gripping something, and the left hand is open. It measures about 9″ H x 5″ W x 3.5″ D and weighs 8 oz.

Artistry & Ornamentation:

• Hand-painted features with outlined eyes, a red mouth and pink cheeks.
• Gray hair and beard rendered in dark dash strokes.
• A brown top hat with a cream band.
• A blue button-front shirt with red buttons and a chest pocket, white trousers, and black-strapped huaraches with painted toes.

Structural Base: The soles are painted black and hand-lettered in white: “LEONCIO MARTINEZ” on one foot and “SN. MARTIN TILCAJETE” on the other.

Condition Report

Surface Condition:

• Some old paper residue, likely from storage wrapping, adheres to the back and side of the shirt. It appears removable with care, and the paint beneath appears intact.
• Fine cracks run across the top of the hat crown.
• General light wear to the paint, consistent with age.

Structural Integrity: The figure stands steadily, and the arms are secure. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.