Unknown – Folding Screen with Indian Wedding and Flying Pole (Biombo con desposorio indigena y palo volador) Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The folding screen presents a complex narrative scene set within what appears to be a colonial Mexican landscape. The composition is divided into distinct zones, each contributing to the overall depiction of a ceremonial event. A central focus lies on a ritual involving a tall pole from which figures are suspended by ropes, seemingly performing acrobatic feats or engaging in some form of symbolic flight. This flying pole dominates the visual field and draws immediate attention.
To the left of this central action, a wedding ceremony unfolds. Indigenous individuals, adorned in elaborate traditional garments – characterized by intricate embroidery and vibrant colors – are gathered around what appears to be a bride and groom. The figures display a range of emotions, from solemnity to joyous celebration. A Spanish friar presides over the proceedings, suggesting a blending or imposition of Christian ritual onto indigenous customs.
On the right side of the screen, a more festive gathering takes place. Musicians play instruments, dancers move in rhythm, and onlookers observe with apparent enthusiasm. The atmosphere here is markedly different from the solemnity of the wedding ceremony, hinting at a broader spectrum of cultural practices within this community.
The landscape itself is rendered with considerable detail. A river flows through the scene, reflecting the sky above. Distant mountains provide a backdrop, establishing a sense of depth and scale. Architectural elements – a combination of indigenous dwellings and European-style buildings – further underscore the fusion of cultures that defines the setting. The presence of Spanish figures in military attire on the left side reinforces the colonial power dynamic at play.
Subtexts within the work are layered and potentially contradictory. While the depiction of indigenous customs might appear celebratory, it is framed by a clear visual hierarchy that positions European observers – particularly the friar and soldiers – as authorities. The flying pole ritual itself could be interpreted as either a traditional practice or a spectacle staged for colonial audiences. The blending of Christian and indigenous elements in the wedding ceremony raises questions about cultural assimilation and religious conversion.
The artist’s choice to depict such a complex scene on a folding screen suggests that it was intended for display within a private setting, likely belonging to someone with an interest in documenting or showcasing aspects of colonial life. The work offers a glimpse into a moment of cultural exchange – and potential tension – between indigenous communities and the Spanish colonizers, leaving room for multiple interpretations regarding power dynamics, religious influence, and the preservation of tradition.