Midwife, a hand-modelled and hand-painted clay figurine, is a certified work by the renowned craftsman Francisco Lima. As a direct descendant of one of the most important lineages in Portuguese craftsmanship — the son of the iconic Júlia Côta and great-grandson of Domingos Côto — the craftsman expresses in this piece the purest essence of the Minho identity. This unique depiction of ‘A Parteira’ stands out for its vibrant colours, striking expressiveness and burlesque features – unmistakable characteristics that make every creation from this family unique and highly collectable. It is a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic piece of Certified Barcelos Craftwork, ideal both as a centrepiece and for enthusiasts and collectors of folk art.

Certified piece, signed and dated 2023.

Barcelos Figurine Art is a traditional art form unique to Portugal, classified as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It originated as a sideline to the local pottery trade, where artisans used leftover clay and empty spaces in the kiln to mould small figurines and toys to sell at rural fairs. Today, it is characterised by vivid, hand-modelled representations of figures from everyday life in the Minho region, religious elements and creatures from the popular fantasy imagination, combining cultural heritage with the spontaneous creativity of its master potters.

Dimensions: 27 cm high × 18 cm wide.
Weight: 1,406 g