Carreta de la Muerte (Death Cart)

The carreta de la muerte is one traditional icon used by the religious brotherhood, the Penitentes, as part of their Good Friday procession. Death carts commonly include a skeleton, called Doña Sebastiana, who wields a bow and arrow. Barela (born 1900 Bisbee, Arizona; died 1964 Taos, New Mexico) created four death carts during his life. Here, a serpent-like creature and a wine cask represent death. Wood, leather. Anonymous gift in honor of Virginia and Edward Lujan.