Daughter of the legendary artisan Rosa Côta and granddaughter of João Domingues Côta da Rocha, alleged “father of the Galo de Barcelos” (the traditional figure of the “Rooster of Barcelos”), Júlia Côta began molding clay at the age of nine and continues today - almost 80 years later - to live up to her heritage of the Figurado de Barcelos (“Figures of Barcelos”). Inspired by popular imagery of the Minho region - in the very North of Portugal, bordering with Spain -, such as the Rooster, the Varinas (fish-selling women wearing huge, gold earrings), the Saints and other traditional motifs, Júlia is also endowed with a unique creativity, creating her own figures, such as the Devils. As Júlia says, the figures “are born from her hands”, characterized by the vivacity of their colors and exaggerated expression in their features.

Clay figure from Barcelos.

Materials: Clay and paint
Dimensions: 8 x 9 x 16
Weight: 250 g