Known as the Petate Bracelet, this work exemplifies William Spratling’s interest in Mesoamerican art and traditions. The design is inspired by a drawing (https://archive.org/details/tribestemplesrec01expe/page/41/mode/2up) by the archaeologist Frans Blom (1893–1963), who, along with Olivier La Farge (1901–1963), led Tulane University’s 1925 research expedition to Mexico and Central America. Before moving to Taxco and establishing his first silver workshop in 1931, Spratling taught architecture at Tulane and became close friends with Blom and La Farge, who fostered his early interests in Mexico and its ancient past. Years later, Spratling reinterpreted Blom’s drawing of a stela discovered at the site of Piedra Labrada in Veracruz for a series of designs including a brooch (M.2018.68.54), buckle, earrings, and this bracelet. The bracelet’s clasp also references a glyph from Blom’s stela drawing.
Petates, mats made of woven reed or palm, are quotidian objects that have been ubiquitous in Mexico and Central America since ancient times. The woven mat motif appears on ancient Maya bowls (M.2010.115.231) and vessels (M.2010.115.639), as well as in works by Spratling’s contemporaries such as Jean Charlot (1898–1979; AC1997.LWN.194), Tina Modotti (1896–1942), and Edward Weston (1886–1958; M.2008.40.1357).
Rachel Kaplan
2024