Do you know Who or What this is?

The gentleman that owns this is 88 years old. He told me this was from his wife's family and had been in the family many years. Now with that being said we have all heard this before I am sure. The piece is about 12 inches tall, the green was put on by his wife to protect a book case he said. Any ideas what or who it is age etc? Oh and hubby said he seen a signature on side but I could not see iThanks I appreciate it.

 

A Queen of somewhere?

 

I think this is Mary as Queen of Heaven, here are some comparable figures, especially the one on top of the site, an example from Spain: http://www.hjcaspar.de/gldateien/mondsichel.htm .
I do not know where your example comes from.
Mat

 

There are elements similar to stuff from spain or portugal but the eyes fairly scream MIJ

 

Terri I thought Portugal also and what is MIJ

 

made in Japan

 

Whee! I don't think I ever got a snipe before!!

 

I emailed my best friend's sister who has a PHD in religion she told me this but needs to see it in hand to tell me more I forgot she went to school for religion. i dont think she will be able to tell me age but might be suprised

It is Santa Maria. In English we say the Virgin Mary.The belly area is symbolic that she is pregnant with baby Jesus, which the angel drawings are trumpeting the good news. (star shapes represent Jesus/ Holy Spirit)The crescent moon has many symbolic meanings and folklore. They are not horns of the devil, as frequently mistaken. It is a sign of fertility and the cycle of life and death. It is carnalistic/divine representation.By the shape of her lips, one is able to tell which tradition she comes from. Looks European. Possibly Spain.The tighter and smaller the lips, the higher class and older. Also because she is depicted wearing a crown is from a more older tradition. [“Little Crown” of the Blessed Virgin Mary, honors the triple crown of twelve stars which our Lady received from God upon her bodily assumption into heaven (cf. Revelation 12:1).]Also atypical is she is not wearing her usual blue garb, indicative of an older tradition.She is not of the eastern tradition, nor classical rome.There is no sign of the malevolent symbols of the witchcraft religion called Santaria.She is dressed as a bride (symbolic of the church) and will be marrying God.Of course she was put through a kiln but her colorings reveal a rudimentary grade paint.

 

In the 60's & 70's everyone put green felt on the base of everything to protect their wood mantles and shelves...... sigh !

 

Hi Komokwa,
I STILL do. I use green felt or sheet cork on rough bottoms. I like to protect my wood, glass and marble tops.
greg

 

The good news on the felt is it is so old it is coming off but still

 

I see Spain or Portugal, so why not Mexico?

 

Hi,
Wash the felt off. If it can not be washed just putting a damp sponge or cloth on it for a while it will come off.
greg

 

I use plastic or cork dots.....so they don't cover up the base !

 

Hi Komokwa,
I do not use plastics, they "break down" and leave marks. Cork on heavy stuff doesn't slide as well as felt. Some cork bottoms I wax some not. I always use Elmer's white glue to attach some of these new adhesives on the stick ons can stain bottoms.
greg

 

I think it's Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos.

 

I think so too!

 

Whatever she is "of," she served someone's purpose.