RARE Michael Salazar Signed 1983 Hand-Carved Cedar Bulto Virgin Mary Taos Folk

A rare and important signed 1983 hand-carved cedar bulto of the Virgin Mary (identified “Mary” on base) by Michael Salazar of Taos, New Mexico — one of the most difficult-to-find members of the celebrated Salazar santero dynasty. Michael was a son of legendary santero Leo G. Salazar, who taught his sons to carve in the 1970s. Michael died in a car accident in the mid-1980s, just a year or two after this piece was carved, leaving a very small body of work. He was excluded from the 2016 Salazar family retrospective at La Hacienda de Martinez simply because he did not survive to be represented. Pieces by Michael surface rarely — his brothers Ernesto and Leonardo are far more commonly found. The figure depicts a veiled female saint with arms crossed over the chest, holding a cross. A star-punch rosary is carved in relief down the front of the robe. The face is notably refined — elongated, gentle features with delicately carved hair parted at center beneath the veil. Natural, unfinished cedar throughout. Signed “MICHAEL SALAZAR” and dated ’83, with “Mary” written in ink, on the base. Old gallery/auction label also present on base. 14.5″x3.5″x3.5″ 1.5 lbs. Please see pictures for condition details as the photos are considered part of the description.