These timeless wooden crosses are made by Carlton Gallegos of Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico. Carlton is an expert in wheat straw appliqué. The straw designs are golden as they naturally reflect light. Straw appliqué is usually considered a colonial technique from the Spanish; however, several elderly members of Santa Ana Pueblo practiced the art. Carlton began teaching himself the technique when realized that the wheat straw appliqué technique could be lost. Carlton is now the only Puebloan who makes them. He flattens the wheat straw, cuts the straw with precision, and glues the pieces of wheat to hand made wooden crosses that have been painted black. Carlton adds a unique touch with accents of turquoise paint, and he often glues a small turquoise stone in the center. The designs in the straw evoke corn, sun, clouds and rain, they are symbolic of a prayer to grow corn. 

Signed Carlton Gallegos, Santa Ana Pueblo 

Measures 4" x 2.5"