Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History

Explore Puerto Rico’s history, from the 16th to the 20th centuries, through the eyes of collector Teodoro Vidal. Vidal captured the island’s history by collecting thousands of objects. Over 80 artifacts are featured here.

Los Tres Reyes Magos

Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi.
Description
Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi. The Bible doesn't specify their names or nationalities, only that they were guided by the star of Bethlehem to bring three gifts to honor the birth of Christ, the "King of the Jews." On the Catholic calendar, the Three Kings are celebrated on the 6th of January. On this day, Puerto Rican children traditionally expected their Christmas gifts, not from Santa Claus, but from the Three Kings. This set is from the town of Morovis, probably crafted by a member of the Rivera family around 1900.
Description (Spanish)
Entre los personajes más famosos de la historia en torno al nacimiento de Jesús se cuentan los Reyes Magos. La Biblia no especifica sus nombres o sus países de origen, solamente dice que los guió la estrella de Belén para llevar tres obsequios en honor al nacimiento de Cristo, el "Rey de los Judíos". Según el calendario católico, el día de los Reyes Magos se celebra el 6 de enero, en cuya oportunidad los niños de Puerto Rico esperan que los Reyes Magos, y no Santa Claus, les traigan sus regalos de Navidad. Este conjunto de Reyes Magos proviene del pueblo de Morovis y probablemente su artesano haya sido un miembro de la familia Rivera.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0511.001
catalog number
1997.0097.0511.001
accession number
1997.0097

Marímbula

The marímbula, (also marímbola), is an African-derived folk instrument found across the Caribbean. Large enough for its player to sit on, this instrument consists of a large, resonating box with metal strips that are plucked to provide a simple bass accompaniment.
Description
The marímbula, (also marímbola), is an African-derived folk instrument found across the Caribbean. Large enough for its player to sit on, this instrument consists of a large, resonating box with metal strips that are plucked to provide a simple bass accompaniment. Its affordability, ease of construction, and portability (it can be strapped to its player like a marching drum), made it adaptable to many styles of folk music, from the roving aguinaldo of the Christmas season to a street-corner plena.
Description (Spanish)
La marímbula, o marímbola, es un instrumento derivado del folklore africano que puede hallarse en todo el Caribe. Es lo suficientemente grande como para que el intérprete pueda sentarse sobre él. Consiste en una caja de resonancia con flejes de metal que se puntean produciendo un simple acompañamiento de sonidos graves. Dado que se trata de un instrumento accesible, fácil de construir y de transportar (el intérprete puede colgárselo con una faja al igual que un tambor de marcha), se lo adaptó a diferentes estilos de música folclórica, desde el aguinaldo de la época navideña hasta la plena.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0512
catalog number
1997.0097.0512
accession number
1997.0097

Fuelle

A bellows is a device for pumping air to get a fire started and to make it hotter. This handmade bellows was collected from the Joyería Bairan, a jeweler's shop on Calle Fortaleza in San Juan.
Description
A bellows is a device for pumping air to get a fire started and to make it hotter. This handmade bellows was collected from the Joyería Bairan, a jeweler's shop on Calle Fortaleza in San Juan. This jewelry store produced many silver ex-votos, probably using this bellows in the process.
Description (Spanish)
El fuelle es un artefacto que se utiliza para soplar aire a fin de encender y avivar el fuego. Este fuelle hecho a mano proviene de la Joyería Bairan, una tienda de joyas de la Calle Fortaleza en
San Juan. En esta joyería se han creado muchos milagros de plata, para cuyo proceso de elaboración probablemente se utilizó este fuelle.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0517
catalog number
1997.0097.0517
accession number
1997.0097

The Three Kings

Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi.
Description
Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi. The Bible doesn't specify their names or nationalities, only that they were guided by the star of Bethlehem to bring three gifts to honor the birth of Christ, the "King of the Jews." On the Catholic calendar, the Three Kings are celebrated on the 6th of January. On this day, Puerto Rican children traditionally expected their Christmas gifts, not from Santa Claus, but from the Three Kings. This set is from the town of Morovis, probably crafted by a member of the Rivera family around 1900.
Description (Spanish)
Entre los personajes más famosos en torno a las historia del nacimiento de Jesús se cuentan los Reyes Magos. La Biblia no especifica sus nombres o sus países de origen, solamente dice que los guió la estrella de Belén para llevar tres obsequios en honor al nacimiento de Cristo, el "Rey de los Judíos". En el calendario católico, el día de los Reyes Magos se celebra el 6 de enero, en cuya ocasión los niños de Puerto Rico esperan que los Reyes Magos, no Santa Claus, les traigan sus regalos de Navidad. Este conjunto de Reyes Magos proviene del pueblo de Morovis y probablemente su artesano haya sido un miembro de la familia Rivera al rededor de 1900.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th or early 20th century
maker
Rivera Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0538
catalog number
1997.0097.0538
accession number
1997.0097

Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria

This wooden figure of La Virgen de la Candelaria was made by Genaro Rivera in the town of Morovis in the early 1900s. This saint is especially popular in Puerto Rican cultural traditions and folk religion.
Description
This wooden figure of La Virgen de la Candelaria was made by Genaro Rivera in the town of Morovis in the early 1900s. This saint is especially popular in Puerto Rican cultural traditions and folk religion. Many of the first settlers to Puerto Rico came originally from the Canary Islands, bringing with them their patron saint, the Virgen de la Candelaria, the Virgin of Candlemas.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura de madera de la Virgen de la Candelaria fue tallada por Genaro Rivera en el pueblo de Morovis al comienzo del siglo XX. Este es un santo particularmente popular dentro de la tradición cultural y religiosa puertorriqueña. La Virgen de la Candelaria era el santo patrono de muchos de los primeros colonos, oriundos de las Islas Canarias, que emigraron a Puerto Rico.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1861-12-10-1941-12-14
maker
Rivera Aviles, Genaro
Rivera Aviles, Genaro
ID Number
1997.0097.0544
catalog number
1997.0097.0544
accession number
1997.0097

San José

This figure of Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, was carved by Genaro Rivera in the town of Morovis at the turn of the 20th century.
Description
This figure of Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, was carved by Genaro Rivera in the town of Morovis at the turn of the 20th century. Several of the milagros attached to this saint are in the shape of legs.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura, tallada por Genaro Rivera al rededor de 1900 en el pueblo de Morovis, representa a San José, el padre terrenal de Jesucristo. Se pueden observar varios milagros en forma de piernas adheridos al santo.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1861-12-10-1941-12-14
maker
Rivera Aviles, Genaro
ID Number
1997.0097.0619
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0619

San Antonio de Padua

St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most venerated saints in Puerto Rico.
Description
St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most venerated saints in Puerto Rico. According to Catholic tradition, he was miraculously visited by the Infant Jesus, and is commonly referred to as the "finder of lost articles." This figure is an early example of a santo from the 18th century.
Description (Spanish)
Conforme a la tradición, San Antonio de Padua, uno de los santos más venerados de Puerto Rico, fue milagrosamente visitado por el niño Jesús. Comúnmente se lo invoca para "encontrar objetos perdidos". Esta figura constituye un ejemplo temprano de los santos del siglo XVIII.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th century
depicted
Saint Anthony of Padua
ID Number
1997.0097.0635
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0635

Virgen de Monserrate

In Puerto Rican religious tradition, the Virgin of Monserrat made a miraculous appearance in 1599, near the town of Hormigueros.
Description
In Puerto Rican religious tradition, the Virgin of Monserrat made a miraculous appearance in 1599, near the town of Hormigueros. Depicted in a broad range of skin tones, at times in contrast with her son Jesus Christ (missing from her lap in this example), she is one of the most frequently carved santos in Puerto Rico. Represented behind her are the jagged mountains of Catalonia, Spain, the place where the veneration of this particular Madonna originated. This figure, by a member of the Espada group of artisans, dates from the 19th century.
Description (Spanish)
Según la tradición religiosa puertorriqueña, la Virgen de Montserrate apareció milagrosamente en el año 1599 cerca del pueblo de Hormigueros. El color de su piel varía ampliamente en las distintas imágenes en las que aparece representada, a veces en contraste con su hijo Jesús (quien en este ejemplo se halla ausente de su regazo). Se trata de uno de los santos más tallados en Puerto Rico. Detrás de ella se observan las montañas angulosas de Cataluña, España, donde se originó la veneración de esta Madona en particular. Esta figura la talló en el siglo XIX un miembro del grupo de artesanos Espada.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
maker
Espada Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0648
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0648

Santiago Matamoros

This wooden santo represents Santiago Matamoros, or St. James the Moor Slayer. It was made by the Ramos family from the town of Aguada.
Description
This wooden santo represents Santiago Matamoros, or St. James the Moor Slayer. It was made by the Ramos family from the town of Aguada. Santiago Matamoros is the patron saint of Spain and provided spiritual inspiration for the Christian re-conquest of Iberia and the subsequent expulsion of Jews and Muslims. The legacy of this conflict between Christians and Muslims in Spain was transplanted to the Americas.
Description (Spanish)
Este santo de madera que representa a Santiago Matamoros fue tallado por la familia Ramos en el pueblo de Aguada. Santiago Matamoros es el santo patrón de España y fuente de inspiración de la reconquista cristiana de Iberia, con la consiguiente expulsión de judíos y musulmanes. Este legado de conflicto entre cristianos y musulmanes se trasladó luego desde España a las colonias de América.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1904
maker
Ramos, Pepe
Ramos, Justina
Ramos, Jose
Ramos, Justina Torres de
ID Number
1997.0097.0650
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0650

Virgen de Monserrate

The lore surrounding the Virgin of Monserrat originated in the jagged mountains of Catalonia, in northeastern Spain.
Description
The lore surrounding the Virgin of Monserrat originated in the jagged mountains of Catalonia, in northeastern Spain. In 1599, when she is said to have appeared to Gerardo González, a farmer, near Hormigueros, in southwestern Puerto Rico, she acquired a new set of traditions and imagery, unique to the island. Like many Madonnas, the Virgin of Monserrat is usually shown seated on a thrown, with her son Jesus Christ on her lap and a globe in one of her outstretched hands. In this example, the globe is missing. This figure shows the unique style of its creator, El Cachetón de Lares, (The Big-Cheeked Man from Lares), a name given to an anonymous santero by Teodoro Vidal, based on the large cheeks with which he endowed his carvings.
Description (Spanish)
La tradición en torno a la Virgen de Montserrate se originó en las montañas angulosas de Cataluña, en el noreste de España. Cuando en 1599, según se cuenta, se le apareció al granjero Gerardo González cerca de Hormigueros, en el suroeste de Puerto Rico, surgió un nuevo conjunto de tradiciones e imaginería exclusivo a la isla. Como tantas otras Madonas, la Virgen de Montserrate se representa sentada en un trono, con su hijo Jesús en el regazo y un globo en una de sus manos extendidas. En este ejemplo el globo está ausente. La figura exhibe un estilo único característico de su creador, El Cachetón de Lares, nombre que Teodoro Vidal le otorgó a un santero anónimo, basándose en las mejillas infladas con las que el artista dotaba a sus tallas.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 20th century
late 19th-early 20th century
maker
Cachetón de Lares
ID Number
1997.0097.0668
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0668

San Sebastián

Saint Sebastian was an early Christian martyr who, according to legend, was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. He not only recovered, but returned to preaching Christianity. For this, the Roman emperor Diocletian ordered him beaten to death.
Description
Saint Sebastian was an early Christian martyr who, according to legend, was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and left for dead. He not only recovered, but returned to preaching Christianity. For this, the Roman emperor Diocletian ordered him beaten to death. He is almost always represented tied to a post and shot with arrows, thus making him instantly recognizable.
Description (Spanish)
San Sebastián fue un antiguo mártir cristiano, a quien según cuenta la leyenda, amarraron a un árbol, dispararon flechas y abandonaron dándolo por muerto. Sin embargo, no solo se recobró sino que regresó a promulgar el cristianismo. Por esta razón, el emperador romano Diocletian ordenó que se lo matara a golpes. Es fácil reconocer su imagen porque casi siempre se lo representa amarrado a un poste con flechas clavadas en el cuerpo.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th-early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0696
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0696

Virgen de Monserrate

Based on lore and church documents, this figure illustrates the Miracle of Hormigueros. In 1599, Our Lady of Montserrat appeared to Gerardo González, a farmer near Hormigueros in southwestern Puerto Rico. Attacked by a bull, González invoked the name of the Virgin.
Description
Based on lore and church documents, this figure illustrates the Miracle of Hormigueros. In 1599, Our Lady of Montserrat appeared to Gerardo González, a farmer near Hormigueros in southwestern Puerto Rico. Attacked by a bull, González invoked the name of the Virgin. Immediately, the beast fell, its legs broken and its forehead touching the ground as if in prayer. In gratitude, González built and dedicated a church to Our Lady of Montserrat. This figure dates from the beginning of the 19th century.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura describe el Milagro de Hormigueros basándose en la tradición y documentación de la iglesia. En 1599 la Virgen de Montserrate se le apareció a Gerardo González, un granjero, cerca de Hormigueros, en el suroeste de Puerto Rico. Se cuenta que González fue atacado por un toro e invocó el nombre de la Virgen, luego de lo cual la bestia se desplomó de inmediato con las patas quebradas y la frente apoyada en el suelo como en posición de plegaria. En agradecimiento, González construyó una iglesia y se la dedicó a la Virgen de Montserrate. Esta figura data de principios del siglo XIX.
Date made
late 18th or early 19th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0721
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0721

The Three Maries

Las Tres Marías, the Three Maries, are the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Cleofas. They are often depicted at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ or at his tomb.
Description
Las Tres Marías, the Three Maries, are the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Cleofas. They are often depicted at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ or at his tomb. But, a popular Puerto Rican story relates that the Three Kings were suitors of the Three Marys, whom they accompanied to local festivities. This radical departure from scripture is an example of the distinctive religious traditions developed over the centuries by rural Puerto Ricans.
Description (Spanish)
Las Tres Marías son la Virgen María, María Magdalena y María de Cleofás. Por lo general se las representa en la escena de la crucifixión de Jesús o ante su tumba. Sin embargo, una historia popular de Puerto Rico cuenta que los Reyes Magos eran pretendientes de las Tres Marías, a quienes acompañaban durante las festividades del lugar. Este alejamiento radical de las escrituras es un ejemplo de las tradiciones religiosas distintivas que fueron surgiendo en las áreas rurales de Puerto Rico a través de los siglos.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th-20th century
maker
Garcia, Ramon
ID Number
1997.0097.0731
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0731

San José

This figure of St.
Description
This figure of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ and husband of Mary, dates from the 19th century and was made by a member or associate of the Espada family in the town of San Germán.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura de San José, padre terrenal de Jesucristo y esposo de María, data del siglo XIX y ha sido tallada por un miembro o asociado de los Espada, familia que vivió y trabajó en el pueblo de San Germán.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
maker
Espada Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0741
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0741

San Rafael Arcángel

Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. The story of Rafael is found in the Book of Tobit, found in the Bibles of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians. Devotees of St.
Description
Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. The story of Rafael is found in the Book of Tobit, found in the Bibles of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians. Devotees of St. Raphael the Archangel consider him the traveler's guide, guardian of youth, and the archangel charged with healing humankind and the Earth. This santo was made early in the 20th century by Juan Cartagena in the town of Orocovis.
Description (Spanish)
Rafael es uno de los varios arcángeles (ángeles de alta jerarquía) presentes en las tradiciones cristiana, judía y musulmana. La historia de Rafael se halla en el libro de Tobit, el cual se incluye únicamente en la Biblia de los cristianos católicos y ortodoxos occidentales. Los devotos de San Rafael lo consideran como guía de los viajeros, guardián de los jóvenes y arcángel capaz de aliviar a la humanidad y a la tierra. Este santo data de principios del siglo XX y fue tallado por Juan Cartagena en el pueblo de Orocovis.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1891-1956-11-04
depicted
Saint Raphael
maker
Cartagena Martinez, Juan
ID Number
1997.0097.0746
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0746

San Rafael Arcángel

This santo represents St. Raphael the Archangel, the traveler's guide, guardian of youth, and the archangel charged with healing humankind and the Earth. Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions.
Description
This santo represents St. Raphael the Archangel, the traveler's guide, guardian of youth, and the archangel charged with healing humankind and the Earth. Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. The story of Rafael is found in the Book of Tobit, in the Bibles of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Description (Spanish)
Este santo representa a San Rafael Arcángel, guía de los viajeros, guardián de los jóvenes y arcángel encargado de aliviar a la humanidad y a la tierra. Rafael es uno de los varios arcángeles (ángeles de alta jerarquía) presentes en las tradiciones cristiana, judía y musulmana. La historia de Rafael se halla en el libro de Tobit, el cual se incluye únicamente en la Biblia de los cristianos católicos y ortodoxos occidentales.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th-early 20th century
depicted
Saint Raphael
ID Number
1997.0097.0775
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0775

San Rafael Arcángel

This especially fine figure of St. Raphael the Archangel, was carved in the 18th century.
Description
This especially fine figure of St. Raphael the Archangel, was carved in the 18th century. Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions.
Description (Spanish)
Esta es una figura especialmente distinguida de San Rafael Arcángel, tallada en el siglo XVIII. Rafael es uno de varios arcángeles (ángeles de alta jerarquía) presentes en las tradiciones cristiana, judía y musulmana.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th century
depicted
Saint Raphael
ID Number
1997.0097.0785
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0785

Barber's Tools

This barber's kit included a pair of scissors, a manual clipper, straight razors, and a brush. Barbering has long been an independent, respectable way to earn a living. These tools belonged to an itinerant barber in Puerto Rico.
Description
This barber's kit included a pair of scissors, a manual clipper, straight razors, and a brush. Barbering has long been an independent, respectable way to earn a living. These tools belonged to an itinerant barber in Puerto Rico. In the 1930s and 1940s, la zafra, the sugar harvest, brought younger men, women, and families from the rural highlands and the urban coastal regions together. Itinerant barbers followed the sugar harvest, earning a significant part of their income.
Description (Spanish)
Este instrumental de barbero está compuesto por un par de tijeras, un clíper manual, navajas y un cepillo. El oficio de barbero ha constituido por largo tiempo un medio independiente y respetable de ganarse la vida. Este equipo perteneció a un barbero itinerante de Puerto Rico. Durante las décadas de 1930 y 1940 muchos jóvenes y familias de las áreas rurales descendían a las regiones urbanas costeras para trabajar en la zafra. Los barberos seguían a la zafra, lo cual les aseguraba gran parte de sus ingresos.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0835.001
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0835.001

San José

The santos collected by Teodoro Vidal were objects of religious devotion. Note the milagros tied to this base of the figure of San José. Saint Joseph is often depicted with his staff as he carries the Christ Child.Los santos coleccionados por el Sr.
Description
The santos collected by Teodoro Vidal were objects of religious devotion. Note the milagros tied to this base of the figure of San José. Saint Joseph is often depicted with his staff as he carries the Christ Child.
Description (Spanish)
Los santos coleccionados por el Sr. Vidal constituían verdaderos objetos de devoción religiosa. Obsérvense los milagros adheridos a la base de esta figura de San José. San José se representa a menudo con una vara, cargando al Niño Jesús.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th-early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0849
catalog number
1997.0097.0849
accession number
1997.0097

San Juan Nepomuceno

This large santo depicts St. John Nepomucene, a 14th-century martyr who is considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of confession. His image was widely circulated by Jesuits throughout the Spanish empire in the 18th century.
Description
This large santo depicts St. John Nepomucene, a 14th-century martyr who is considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of confession. His image was widely circulated by Jesuits throughout the Spanish empire in the 18th century. The Church promoted devotion to this saint since it encouraged Catholics to confess their sins in the presence of a priest, a ritual known as the Sacrament of Penance. This santo is believed to be the work of Felipe de la Espada (1754–1818).
Description (Spanish)
Este santo de gran tamaño representa a San Juan Nepomuceno, un mártir del siglo XIV a quien los católicos consideran patrón de la santa confesión. Los jesuitas distribuyeron ampliamente su imagen a lo largo del imperio español durante el siglo XVIII. La iglesia fomentó la devoción a este santo por considerarlo un incentivo a que los católicos confesaran sus pecados en presencia de un sacerdote, ritual conocido como el Sacramento de la Penitencia. Se cree que este santo es obra de Felipe de la Espada (1754–1818).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1754-1818-06-18
maker
Espada, Felipe de la
ID Number
1997.0097.0901
catalog number
1997.0097.0901
accession number
1997.0097

Juego de Servir Ron

This rum decanter with matching cups was made from wood. Rum, a by-product of sugar cane, is closely associated with the history of the Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, rum is produced for both foreign and domestic consumption.Decantador de ron de madera con copas haciendo juego.
Description
This rum decanter with matching cups was made from wood. Rum, a by-product of sugar cane, is closely associated with the history of the Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, rum is produced for both foreign and domestic consumption.
Description (Spanish)
Decantador de ron de madera con copas haciendo juego. El ron, un derivado de la caña de azúcar, se halla estrechamente relacionado con la historia del Caribe. En Puerto Rico se produce tanto para la exportación como para el consumo doméstico.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0881
catalog number
1997.0097.0881
accession number
1997.0097

Dita

This elaborately carved oblong bowl is made from the gourd-like fruit of a calabash tree called the higüero.
Description
This elaborately carved oblong bowl is made from the gourd-like fruit of a calabash tree called the higüero. This common material was used in the construction of different types of domestic items, especially in rural areas.
Description (Spanish)
Esta vasija apaisada de elaborado tallado está hecha con el fruto del higüero. Este material se utilizaba comúnmente para la confección de diferentes tipos de utensilios domésticos, especialmente en las áreas rurales. En Puerto Rico, utensilios de este material se denominan ditas.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0882
catalog number
1997.0097.0882
accession number
1997.0097

Ladle

This cucharón, or ladle, is constructed from a gourd bowl with wood handle. Teodoro Vidal went to great lengths to research and document the objects that he collected.
Description
This cucharón, or ladle, is constructed from a gourd bowl with wood handle. Teodoro Vidal went to great lengths to research and document the objects that he collected. The notes written by him upon acquiring this ladle read, "Hataca, or Jataca (word of Indian origin), large spoon or vessel made of gourd. Often used to get water from the tinajero (water filter). This one was acquired in 1958 in the town of Anasco."
Description (Spanish)
Este cucharón está hecho de una vasija de calabaza con mango de madera. Teodoro Vidal invirtió gran esfuerzo en la investigación y documentación de los objetos de su colección. Las notas que escribió en oportunidad de la compra de este objeto decían "Hataca, o Jataca (palabra de origen indígena), cuchara grande o vasija hecha de calabaza. A menudo empleada para recoger agua del tinajero (recipiente para filtrar el agua). Este objeto fue adquirido en 1958 en el pueblo de Anasco".
Date made
mid 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0955
catalog number
1997.0097.0955
accession number
1997.0097

Cantimplora

This contemporary coconut canteen demonstrates dynamic craftsmanship using a variety of materials. The main body is made from a polished coconut incised with geometric designs.
Description
This contemporary coconut canteen demonstrates dynamic craftsmanship using a variety of materials. The main body is made from a polished coconut incised with geometric designs. It is carried in a metal frame with a wooden handle and sealed with a plastic and cork stopper.
Description (Spanish)
Esta cantimplora contemporánea de coco es ejemplo de una artesanía dinámica que recurre al empleo de gran variedad de materiales. El cuerpo principal del objeto está confeccionado de coco pulido con incisiones de diseños geométricos; posee un soporte metálico con asa de madera y un tapón de plástico y corcho.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0956
catalog number
1997.0097.0956
accession number
1997.0097

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