LOVELY SHOEBOX FOUND – BOLERO
On Saturday, December 13, 2008, I went to Alvaro Obregon Street in Col. Roma. There are always artists, antique dealers and second hand sellers on Alvaro Obregon on the weekends. Second-hand items are known as “chacharas” here in México and I like chacharas.
I saw this shoebox at this one booth that I absolutely feel in love with. I had never seen such a decorated shoebox before. I wondered what the story on the box was: Who used the shoebox? Whose shoes did they help shine – anyone famous? What were their beliefs of the owner since the box had a lot of angles and Milagros attached to the box. And how did it get to the street to be sold as chachara.
I loved the shoebox BUT the asking price of $1,500.00 pesos ($112.00 USD) was too much to pay so I bargained. I am proud to say that we agreed on a good price.
As the ladies were wrapping up my purchase I asked if they knew who owned the shoebox before. The older lady spoke and said that her husband had bought the shoebox to sell and that she didn’t know anything about the box; husband nowhere around. The way the lady answered was polite, but in a way cold, like what difference does it make, it was obvious she never wondered who the shoebox belonged to.
What am I going to do with the shoebox? To store what little jewelry I have or maybe use it as my toolbox! AND if by chance, should times get tough around here, I am ready for a new career.
Absolutely gorgeous! What a find!
Thank you for commenting and YES, I think this a perfect addition to my new apartment I am moving into this week in Col. Santa Maria la Ribera here in Mexico City ☺
What a beautiful piece of folk art. Makes me want to go find a wooden box and decorate it. But I’ll bet the original owner took his time, maybe adding a coat of paint here, a milagro there.
Hope you enjoy your new apartment.