Religious figurines of the Virgin Mary

These figurines represent religious folk art, specifically depictions of the Virgin Mary, found in the Catamarca region of Argentina. Based on the accompanying museum label, these pieces date back to approximately 1800 and are part of a private collection. They are hand-carved or molded artifacts typically made of wood or plaster, seasoned with traditional paints and textiles.

Unlike mass-produced commercial goods, these items are cultural artifacts. They do not have a commercial brand or a corporate ultimate owner. They represent the colonial and post-colonial religious art traditions of South America, specifically the Andean influence in northern Argentina. Their 'origin' is rooted in the devotional practices of the local communities and the individual craftsmanship of unknown artisans from the 19th century.