Embedded Files
This 1992 edition of Boston College Magazine claims that the Mary statue is "typical of a Hispanic style of religious art found throughout the American Southwest. This particular artifact probably was made in Mexico." (1) As far as anyone at the Burns Library today knows, this is a very unique artifact and we have little to no information on the origins of this figure. We are not sure where this article sourced the location of Mexico from.
On top of the garments she is wearing, this Mary statue, named formally "Figure of Our Lady," has a hand-painted face and real human hair on her head. The cost to create something like this is not cheap, and emphasizes the idea that this was more than a decoration, it was a spiritual object, and a representation of divinity.
Sometimes, the most interesting artifacts in an archive are the ones we don't have much information about.
Sometimes, the most interesting artifacts in an archive are the ones we don't have much information about.
This opens the doors for questions and speculation as to the purpose and value behind these intricately made devotional objects.
Such is the case with one of the Burns staff's most beloved objects, a Mary statue with a black velvet dress, adorned with gold detailing. She is very beautiful and eye-catching, and thus is often put on display in or around the archives. Even though we are missing background information on her, there is still so much to notice and learn about the Catholic faith just by looking at her. She has very fine detailing, including hand stitching, beading, embroidery, and her very own miniature crucifix. This attention to detail implies that this was an object someone dedicated time to create, and probably was held in high regard. The object's beauty and quality material make it both an art piece to display and an object stong enough to withstand the test of time.
All photographs of Mary were taken by the author in Burns Library 2025 (2).
Page updated
Report abuse