
Set of Mexican Terracotta Figurative Christmas Ornaments
This set consists of five hand-painted terracotta figurines designed as Christmas tree ornaments, showcasing a distinct Mexican folk art influence. The group includes three zoomorphic figures representing livestock (likely a bull, a pig, and a goat/donkey), a small house, and a miniature boot. The pieces are crafted from earthenware clay and finished with a matte, chalky slip paint. The color palette is composed of soft pastel tones, primarily terracotta pink, teal green, dusty blue, and white. Each piece is decorated with simplified, hand-applied geometric and floral patterns, such as the starbursts on the house roof and the circular motifs on the animals' flanks. The construction is solid yet primitive, with wire loops embedded in the clay and tied with rough jute twine for hanging. The style suggests late 20th-century production, likely from the 1980s or 1990s, intended for the export or tourist market. In terms of condition, the pieces show evidence of use including light surface scuffing and minor pigment loss, which is typical for unglazed matte terracotta. There is a visible crack or repair on the horn/ear of the foremost animal figure, and the jute twine shows some fraying. The craftsmanship reflects rustic, artisanal handwork rather than mass-produced precision, giving the set a charming, folk-aesthetic appeal.
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Estimated Value
$25-$45
Basic Information
Category
Holiday Ornaments / Mexican Folk Art
Appraised On
February 8, 2026
Estimated Value
$25-$45
Additional Details Provided By Owner
User Provided Information
Mexican style figurines for Christmas tree ornaments
Item Description
This set consists of five hand-painted terracotta figurines designed as Christmas tree ornaments, showcasing a distinct Mexican folk art influence. The group includes three zoomorphic figures representing livestock (likely a bull, a pig, and a goat/donkey), a small house, and a miniature boot. The pieces are crafted from earthenware clay and finished with a matte, chalky slip paint. The color palette is composed of soft pastel tones, primarily terracotta pink, teal green, dusty blue, and white. Each piece is decorated with simplified, hand-applied geometric and floral patterns, such as the starbursts on the house roof and the circular motifs on the animals' flanks. The construction is solid yet primitive, with wire loops embedded in the clay and tied with rough jute twine for hanging. The style suggests late 20th-century production, likely from the 1980s or 1990s, intended for the export or tourist market. In terms of condition, the pieces show evidence of use including light surface scuffing and minor pigment loss, which is typical for unglazed matte terracotta. There is a visible crack or repair on the horn/ear of the foremost animal figure, and the jute twine shows some fraying. The craftsmanship reflects rustic, artisanal handwork rather than mass-produced precision, giving the set a charming, folk-aesthetic appeal.
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