Mexican Onyx Figurine Appraisal

Vintage Mexican Onyx/Alabaster 'Sleeping Mexican' Siesta Figurine with Cactus Backing

Small hand-carved decorative figurine depicting a classic 'siesta' scene, featuring a figure in a wide-brimmed sombrero leaning against a cactus. The piece is crafted from carved white and banded onyx (often marketed as Mexican alabaster), a semi-translucent stone characteristic of regional folk art. The figurine is mounted on a polished oval base of similar material with natural brown and tan mineral inclusions toward the edge. The carved components show a mix of polished and matte finishes. A notable feature is a small silver-toned foil sticker or maker's mark remaining on the base, likely indicating Mexican origin (Hecho en México). The item shows a visible layer of surface dust and light grime in the crevices, particularly on the hat and around the base, which is consistent with age and shelf display. There are no large chips or structural cracks visible, though natural stone fissures may be present. This style of souvenir folk art was highly popular from the 1950s through the 1970s. The craftsmanship is typical of mid-century mass-market stone carving, prioritizing recognizable silhouettes and the natural beauty of the stone's translucency over fine anatomical detail.