Guatemalan Folk Art Carved Head of Maximon aka San Simeon

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About the Item

Made in Chichicastenango, Guatemala, this carved head depicts Maximon, also known as San Simeon or San Simon. It is polychrome painted wood with a red head, white eyes, black beard, and a removable black hat. This wonderful and whimsical carved head was made for the festival celebrating San Simeon.

Maximon, AKA San Simeon of Guatemala
The "man in black" seen on many Guatemalan folk charms is Maximon (pronounced "Mashimon"), a local deity also know as Hermano San Simon, "Brother Saint Simon Peter." Maximon is actually a pre-Columbian Mayan god of the underworld formerly known as Maam ("grandfather"); his modern name is a conflation of Maam and Simon. Contemporary images do not depict the deity himself, but rather a life-sized carved wooden statue of the god dressed in 20th century clothing. He is portrayed as a mustached man seated outdoors at a crossroads, wearing a black suit, red tie, and wide-brimmed hat.

Maximon symbolizes chthonic male sexual power. As an "opener of the way", his feast day falls at the onset of the fertile rainy season, but except for that day, his darker aspect leads his devotees to carefully guard his visage from public view for fear that his sexuality may run rampant. Primarily a bringer of rain and fertility, he is sometimes also called "the saint of gamblers and drunkards." He brings wealth and worldly success to those who venerate him.

Despite the hostility of the Catholic Church, which has tried to identify him with Judas Iscariot, in many Guatemalan villages Maximon is still worshipped with offerings of tobacco, alcohol, Coca Cola, and a tropical plant with orange-red berries. Incense and perfume dedicated to him is scented with the orange blossoms or blended citrus odors of lemongrass, citronella, and sweet orange. On his feast day he is carried through the streets on the shoulders of his human "horse," and his statue is given cigarettes or cigars to smoke. In some villages he may be hung from the sacred Mayan world-tree-cross at the end of his ceremony.

Dimensions:
Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Painted
Place of Origin:
Guatemala
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1900 - 1930s
Condition:
Very good. Shows some wear from normal use. A small piece is missing from the brim of the hat. The paint is beautiful and vibrant. It has a warm, weathered, untouched patina.
Seller Location:
Lenox, MA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: U080913851723

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