A 55 piece collection of Mexican Ex-Votos (Laminas) spanning 75 years.
This collection of Ex-Votos, painted on tin (laminas) span written dates from 1797 to 1982. (Two, dated 1797 and 1871 our thought to be retrospectives; family stories passed down and, when painted, reflected the date when the event happened.) The paint is original and reverse sides reflect the patina that has occurred over the decades. These are all the same size 7 1/2“ x 10 1/2“ and have the original pinhole at the top where they had been hung on church walls. They are in excellent condition. I acquired these in San Miguel de Allende from a street vendor and they reflect the Bajijo region and surrounding states- San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Nuevo León, and Durango. They are offered as a single acquisition because while each one tells its own story, together they represent a history, reflecting the everyday life of an ordinary Mexican life. The collection spans five particularly notable eras: 1797- 1906: Colonial Memory, 1907-1913: Pre-Revolution (5 pieces), 1919-1935: Post-Revolution, Cristero War, Border Life, 1937-1955: mid century old MexicoMid-Century Rural Mexico (26 pieces), 1956-1982: The Modern Era. In all, 16 intercessors - Saints and divine figures are featured.
7 1/2” x 10 1/2”
Secondhand Store
Yes
Hello, this item is a group of 55 Mexican ex-votos painted on tin, also known as láminas, produced primarily between the early 20th century and late 20th century, with some earlier dated narratives likely recorded retrospectively. These devotional paintings were traditionally commissioned by individuals to give thanks for divine intervention, most often depicting accidents, illnesses, or near-death experiences alongside figures such as the Virgin of Guadalupe or specific saints. The examples shown display the characteristic folk style of the Bajío region, with simple perspective, narrative inscriptions, and visible hand-applied paint on thin metal sheets. The patina, oxidation, and pinholes at the top confirm authentic use and age, consistent with pieces that were once hung in churches or домаш shrines.
As a collection, the value depends heavily on cohesion, subject matter, artistic quality, and early dating. Individual ex-votos typically range between $80 and $400 USD depending on age and visual appeal, with stronger examples exceeding this range. A group of 55 pieces, with a consistent regional origin and good condition, carries a stronger market position when sold together to collectors or institutions interested in devotional or folk art. The fair market value for the entire collection is approximately $6,000 to $12,000 USD.
