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Send to a friendHand-carved Maya Jaguar Wood Sculpture, "Balam"
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Sitting patiently with a wide-eyed expression on its face, this balam (jaguar) sculpture is created by Jose Canil to honor his ancestors. "Jaguars were regarded as sacred, a deity, by our Maya ancestors and no one was allowed to harm them. Balam is the jaguar god protector of fields and harvest, so ceremonies were held in its honor before sowing," explains the Guatemalan artisan. He carves and paints the pinewood sculpture by hand. "That's why I love carving jaguar images — they connect me with my Maya roots."
The tail is detached for shipping.
- 1.22 kgs
- 2.7 lbs
- 19.5 cm H x 52 cm W x 14 cm D
- 7.75" H x 20.5" W x 5.5" D
- Pinewood
- Eco-Friendly: carved from natural and sustainable wood
- Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
- Some assembly required
- Made in Guatemala.
- Certified and shipped by our office in Guatemala
Gift Info
- Email this item in advance of a gift.
- Email this item as a gift suggestion.
- Free Gift Wrap? No
- Premium Gift Wrap? Yes
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Customer Reviews
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Atticus
Verified Reviewer
02/28/2021
"Playful Jaguar"
This jaguar is approachable with a sweetly curious expression.An example of Jose Canil Ramos varied talent.
Purchased Item:
Balam, Hand-carved Maya Jaguar Wood Sculpture
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STEPHEN
Verified Reviewer
10/24/2017
"A NEW ADDED TREASURE TO MY COLLECTION"
I was again Very Pleased to receive Balam. The carving is magnificent. Everything about it is a pleasure to look at. Jose Canil Ramos has become an artist I will sure follow
Best Uses
- Dia de los Muertos shrine
Purchased Item:
Balam, Hand-carved Maya Jaguar Wood Sculpture
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Jonathan
Verified Reviewer
07/06/2021
"Masterful Jaguar"
I bought this sculpture for my wifes birthday, and she loves it! Jose Canil Ramos is an extremely talented artist. This piece is even more magnificent in person. We all love this sculpture, very meticulously created and beautifully rendered. This is our second piece from this artist, and we are awed by his talent.
Purchased Item:
Balam, Hand-carved Maya Jaguar Wood Sculpture
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Gift Occasion:
- This was a gift for: Wife
- Occasion: birthday
Rodney
Verified Reviewer
02/29/2024
"Beautiful Angel !"
Another beautiful piece by skilled artist Jose Canil Ramos ! Thank you !
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Shannon
Verified Reviewer
02/20/2024
"Absolutely gorgeous"
Beautiful parrot mask, exactly as I hoped it would be. I love it.
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SPR
Verified Reviewer
07/25/2023
"This is s family heirloom now!"
Beautiful rendition of archangel Raphael. We wanted extra protection this year with do many family members having illness. We were able to generate strength and peace having this special image carved by the talented hand of Jose Ramos. The colors are very vibrant and the gold tones make this image pop out. So many family and friends now ask us to place special prayers under this sculpture and we think it is a blessing to have in our home.
Best Uses
- Decorative and spiritual
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Your Purchase Makes a Difference!
Confronting Adversity
Jose suffers from a rare facial nerve paralysis and is currently treating the condition with physical therapy.
Preserving Traditions
Jose is a very talented wood carver. He first learned when he was just ten years old from his father. This art has been passed down for generations and Jose plans to continue the tradition and teach his son how to carve.
Microcredit Financing
Jose Canil Ramos has received 7 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $250 and the most recent for $2100. Proceeds were used to invest in wood, saws, paints, and sandpaper for production.
Moving On Up
Jose's work helps generate employment opportunities for those in his community. With the sales from NOVICA, he can employ other artisans and help change the lives of his workers.
Job Creator
Jose hires several people in his community which provides them with a stable income for supporting their families.
Write a review"Most of the time I work with the idea of something, rather than with its photo, because I feel it hampers my inspiration and then I'm not happy with the final product."
"I was born on May 25, 1981 in Chichicastenango and I learnt my craft from my father. He used to carve masks and saints to sell at the Chichi... read more
