Maria Jimenez: Spring Squirrel Woodcarving Hearts They are also called altares

They are also called altares or altars

and this stunning work perfectly showcases her mastery

mirroring the traditional Guadalupe image seen on Juan Diego’s tilma

and apparently

tail fanned upright like a banner behind him

Maria Jimenez: Spring Squirrel Woodcarving Hearts They are also called altaresLovely squirrel by Mara Jimnez, one of Oaxaca's most celebrated painters and a master of the floral style that has inspired generations of woodcarving artists in San Martn Tilcajete. Mara is known for her extraordinary ability to cover every surface of a carving in densely packed flowers without the composition ever feeling crowded and this squirrel is a beautiful example of that gift. The carving is lively and low to the ground, tail curling upward,