"Casa en Mesita" or Chest on Stand Rendered by Majel G. Claflin (artist), c. 1939 watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, and heightening on paperboard overall: 29.6 x 37 cm (11 5/8 x 14 9/16 in.) Index of American Design 1943.8.7533

From the Tour: Folk Arts of the Spanish Southwest from the Index of American Design
Object 18 of 25

The carving of this chest is identified with Taos, New Mexico. The piece dates from about 1870. Decorative motifs are contained in separate units which, varied and repeated, cover the panel without any connection between the units; sequence rather than rhythm is the underlying principle. The sawtooth motif on the base is typical of effects resulting from limited tools. The massive proportions of such chests were in harmony with the large adobe houses of the southwest.

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