Leo J. Salazar Signed 1981 Hand-Carved Cedar Bulto St. Francis Taos Folk Art

A signed and dated 1981 hand-carved cedar bulto of San Francisco de Asís (St. Francis of Assisi) by celebrated Taos, New Mexico santero Leo J. Salazar. This is an unusually dynamic composition — the saint’s right arm extends fully outward, holding a separately carved cross aloft, while the left hand rests at the chest. A rosary is carved in relief down the front of the robe in a dot-and-link pattern. The beard is rendered in fine stippled/punch-carved texture. The figure wears a hooded Franciscan cowl. Natural, unfinished aromatic cedar throughout — no paint or finish — with the flowing wood grain visible across the full figure. 21″x12″x4.25″ 6 lbs. Please see photographs foe condition detail as they are considered a part of the description.