Ex-votos (4), 1950-1980, Artist unknown, Northeast Brazil, Wood, paint: breast, 6" x 5" x 3", leg 16" x 3" x 6", arm 17" x 4" x 2", torso/head 7" x 4" x 2", Purchased with funds from Friends of Latin American Art.

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Ceremonial

 		 
 
  BRAZILIAN VOTIVE PIECES

otive pieces, called ex-votos, acknowledge favors received from spirits or saints and have been made since Etruscan times in Europe. In Latin America, many believers vow to make a pilgrimage and offer ex-votos to a certain saintÆs shrine if their prayers are answered. Large ex-votos such as these can be found at shrines in Brazil where they are displayed to attest to afflictions healed and miracles performed.