This is an original Mexican Arbol de la Vida or Tree of Life pottery / clay sculpture which was purchased by Virgil and Barbara Magerfleisch in circa 1966 from a Timoteo Shop in Metepec Mexico. These can also be referred to as Mid-Century Mexican Folk Art. In the Mexican countryside artisans of Metepec and the Temotio or Timoteo take hours to hand shape clay into usually peculiar and beautiful forms in various fantasy typically depicting trees bearing Adam and Eve facing temptation by the serpent and always with wonderful detail. These sculptures are referred to as Arboles de la Vida or Trees of Life and are at the heart of the Metepec tradition with examples stretching back into the 1940’s. This example is no exception showing wonderful detail and design work. The piece has a tapering cylindrical tree trunk with round ridge base having various short limbs which extend out and hold small, short metal spikes which bear stamped leaves and fruit balls. At the center on opposing limbs show Adam and Eve both naked wearing a leaf over their waist, both of which have a similar cast cherub like head which has a separation at the body. Above the two human effigy figures is the coiling serpent snake which represents the Devil holding the apple or fruit of good and evil in its mouth offering it to Eve. The tree is very full beating many leaves and fruit and is truly a work of art. The piece is all in the same natural clap coloring. Some of the metal spike’s have since been lost and some of the clay pieces repaired over the years but overall, the piece displays very well and the main trunk does not appear to have major damage. Provenance: From the collection of Virgil and Barbara Magerfleisch, who collected the piece in circa 1966 and is being offered by the family directly. Measures overall 16”H by 9.5”W by 7”D.