Hand-carved Maya Jaguar Wood Sculpture, "Balam"
Shipping Timeframe: 3 to 6 weeks. Delivery Estimate
Sitting patiently with a wide-eyed expression on its face, this balam (jaguar) sculpture is designed 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 detachable.
- 1.22 kgs
- 2.7 lbs
- 19.5 cm H x 31 cm W x 18.5 cm D
- 7.75" H x 12.25" W x 7.25" D
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- Free Gift Wrap? No
- Premium Gift Wrap? Yes
Reviews by Customers

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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Verified Reviewer
11/01/2020
"Magnifique!"





Bravo pour cette merveille! Votre crèche va rejoindre notre collection de crèches du monde ;chaque année elle sera exposée au coté dautres crèches dans notre village au moment de Noel. très beau travail, merci.
Best Uses
- exposition de crèche du monde
- Expo de crèche du monde
- Collection privée
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Calaveras, Artisan Crafted 9-Piece Day of the Dead Theme Nativity Scene
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Verified Reviewer
10/20/2020
"San Francisco s Patron Saint"





As a San Franciscan I wanted to add this santo to my collection of artworks from Jose Canil Ramos (Jocara). It is even more beautiful than the featured photo: Saint Francis has a beautiful soulful face.
Purchased Item:
Saint Francis with a Quetzal, Rustic Sculpture of Saint Francis with a Quetzal Bird
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Verified Reviewer
10/18/2020
"Cutest nativity"





The most adorable nativity I have ever seen. Great colors and detailed designs! Dont miss this!!!
Purchased Item:
Petite Creche, Petite Carved Wood Nativity Scene (Set of 7)
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Verified Reviewer
10/08/2020
"A companion piece to Angel of Hope"





Beautiful and solid carved and painted angel. The two angels together look remarkable.
Purchased Item:
Angel of Gratitude, Hand Painted Angel Wood Sculpture
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Verified Reviewer
10/07/2020
"Felix Navidad"





Extraordinary craftsmanship at such a reasonable price. The figures have real dignity.
Purchased Item:
Rejoice, Wood Nativity Scene Sculpture Set of 9
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Your Purchase Makes a Difference!
Jose suffers from a rare facial nerve paralysis and is currently treating the condition with physical therapy.
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.
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.
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.
Jose hires several people in his community which provides them with a stable income for supporting their families.
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Jose Canil Ramos Wood sculptures
"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."