Latin America, Mexico, Puebla, ca. 1942 CE. A very rare and finely made flag/banner of luxurious, silky fabrics and gilded threads, created during Mexico's post-revolutionary climate, commemorating the Mayorazgo textile factory's involvement in the fight for workers' rights. El Mayorazgo was founded in Puebla as part of the industrial corridor of the 19th century and produced fine cotton used to make the famous Atoyac fabrics. Given this, the fabric used to create this flag was most likely produced at El Mayorazgo. The overall design presents the general composition of a Mexican flag with its vertical tri-color background of green, white, and red and a national coat of arms in relief, finely embroidered with gilded and brightly hued threads, featured in the center of the white stripe. The coat of arms is based upon the Aztec symbol for Tenochtitlan (modern day Mexico City) and references the legend that inspired the Aztecs to settle on a lake island. It includes an eagle holding a serpent in its talon, perched on top of a prickly pear cactus which is growing upon a rock that rises above a lake. According to the Aztec legend, the gods told the people to build a city where they discovered an eagle on a nopal, eating a serpent. Flanking the coat of arms are embroidered emblems for the Federation of Workers of Puebla FTP-CTM (La Federacion de Trabajadores de Puebla, FTP-CTM). The text of the flag reads "Seccion 10 Del (section 10 of the) S.r.I.r.S.R.M. - FABRICA EL MAYORAZGO (Mayorazgo Factory) - POR UNA SOCIEDAD SIN CLASSES (for a society without classes) - PUEBLA 4 DE ENERO DE 1942 (Puebla January 4, 1942)" - suggesting that El Mayorazgo was involved in the fight for the working class inspired by the Mexican Revolution. The Mexican Revolution came about in opposition to General Porfirio Diaz who became president in 1876 and ruled almost continuously until he was forced to resign in 1911. The Porfiriato suppressed labor unions and in general fostered a difficult climate for peasants and the working class. This prompted labor to begin organizing and organize strikes against their employers for better wages and conditions. Not only is this a remarkable piece of history, but it is also unparalleled in its artistry, with innumerable gilded threads delineating the the lettering, the coat of arms, and decorative borders, as well as sumptuous fringe. Size: 83" L x 45.5" H (210.8 cm x 115.6 cm) with 3" L (7.6 cm) fringe

Provenance: Ex-James Caswell, Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, CA.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#112421

Minor fading, fraying as shown, a few stains and small tears to back lining, and a bit of fringe loss. Overall a very good and rare piece.