Plate 46: Straw Applique Design: From Portfolio "Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico" 1935 - 1942

This New Mexican straw appliqué design features a prominent Latin cross, flanked by stylized floral motifs and smaller crosses. The cross, central to Christian iconography, symbolizes sacrifice and redemption, its presence here speaking to the profound religious influence during the Spanish Colonial period. Observe how this symbol of suffering is rendered with decorative flair. The cross is not simply a religious emblem; it is integrated into a broader ornamental scheme, a common cultural thread with roots in pre-Christian symbols of life and the cosmos. Similar forms can be found in ancient world-tree depictions. The subconscious mind often conflates these symbols, blurring the lines between sacred and secular, ancient and modern. Note the smaller crosses on either side of the main cross. The repetition in this artwork isn't coincidental. It amplifies the emotional and psychological impact of the image. Like a mantra, the symbols resonate in our minds, inviting contemplation. This design exemplifies how cultural memory shapes visual expression, a testament to the enduring power of symbols.