Head of a Saint

Indo-Portuguese, probably Goa

Polychromed wood

Saints figures normally used in processions, were called ‘Cribb’ (skeletal) figures, and were common in the East as well as in Portugal, Spain and Italy. In these figures most of the artistic effort went into rendering the head. The body comprised a simple wood structure which would be dressed, thus avoiding the need to sculpt the entire figure. To this were attached the head, hands and feet.

Size(cms): 44 (H) x 19 (W) x 19 (D)
Size(inches): 17 (H) x 7.5 (W) x 7.5 (D)