June 4, 2011

Timeless Taos - Hand Painted Door



As you have probably concluded with the progression of this photo journey series, I have a fondness for architectural features such as doors and windows. And at the Taos Pueblo, I was on the lookout for colorful embellishments that stood out against the rustic brown adobe walls. This charming door specimen is located in the South House complex, and it topped the list of the most unique. And I couldn’t help but do a little play on words with the title of the photo!

P.S. Donna (Made in Heaven) left an interesting comment about the meaning of the handprint. I have also read that the left hand, considered more sacred than the food hand, was placed on objects of religious meaning. It was only after I found this reference that I realized that all of the handprints on this door were made by a left hand! And a Google search reveals other photos of this door, including some showing an American flag draped in the window right after 9-11. It is truly fascinating to see examples of folk art like this and wonder about the personality of the “folk” behind the “art”!

10 comments:

  1. Ah ha! Hand painted! Got it! LOL! It is a beautiful door though. I wish I could have the old screen door off of my grandmother's house in Maine. It has so many memories attached to it.
    Have a lovely day my friend.
    Kim

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  2. Wouldn't that be sweet on a nursery door or a kindergarten door or a daycare center? It is certainly unique and playful and imperfectly delightful.

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  3. I've loved this series with the doors; I, too, have an affinity for these types of things. Love the pun...and the photo!

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  4. O.K. now I know we've all been saying this, but a book girl, Title, Doors to Taos Pueblo. Please order one for me. Did you check out "Blurb" or Carmi's book (she's in my side bar) A girl's guide to paris. Not too much investment needed, just time.

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  5. Perfect post title and what a creative way to paint a door. I'm tempted to try it on one of mine but I know my husband would hate it...lol

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  6. Love unique door and window shots. This is a favorite! Thanks for sharing.

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  7. From the Apache and Commanche tribes, legends about this handprint tell of a furious battle in which a warrior was fatally wounded. Before the brave warrior's death, he patted his horse on the right shoulder, thus leaving a bloody handprint on his horse for all his people to see his "message of death" when the horse returned to camp.(learning box)
    I wonder about the tribe that live in the house...could be the same meaning for them as well...Just art? I wouldn't think so...Being part Cherokee, your photo gave me Chills! Beautifully Done!
    I can't wait to see More!!
    hughugs

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!