Folk art painting on stretched sheepskin titled 'Christmas Manger Scene' by Mati Cotopaxi

This Tigua-style painting originates from the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador, where indigenous Kichwa artists developed a distinctive tradition in the 1970s of painting vibrant scenes on stretched sheepskin. This particular work from 1997 depicts a nativity scene set in an Andean village, blending Catholic religious imagery with indigenous cultural elements—a common theme that reflects the syncretism of Spanish colonial influence and native traditions. The artist Mari Cotopaxi created this piece during the height of Tigua painting popularity, when these works were being recognized internationally for their cultural significance. Tigua paintings appeal to collectors of Latin American folk art, religious art enthusiasts, and those interested in cultural anthropology. This Christmas nativity scene holds special appeal for collectors of religious folk art and those who appreciate how indigenous artists reinterpret biblical stories through their own cultural lens. The 1997 date places this work in a mature period of the Tigua tradition, when artists had refined their techniques while maintaining authentic representation of Andean life. These paintings are valued for their handcrafted nature, their role in preserving indigenous artistic traditions, and their unique fusion of European religious themes with Andean aesthetics.