Arcana:

Tellez, Alfonso Garcia. Puebla, San Pablito Pahuatlan, MEXICO: Self-Published, 1975. First Edition. Small 8vo. Hand-Decorated Wrappers. Ethnographic Art Monograph. Very Good.. 28pp, 26 hand-cut paper illustrations. Text in Spanish. In a protective clear acetate dustwrapper. "Historia de la curacion de antigua de San Pablito Pahuatlan Pue[bla]" is Alfonso Garcia Tellez' 1975 handmade, holographic ethnographic study of the use of paper objects in curative and other rituals by the indigenous Otomi communities in Puebla, Mexico. Self-published by the author in Puebla, San Pablito Pahuatlan, it contains twenty-six unique, intricately hand-cut fig bark paper representations of Otomi spirit entities associated with specific illnesses tipped onto a leporello of thick, mold-made paper - each with handwritten descriptive text. The content focuses on witchcraft and curing ceremonies, including recipes for potions and poultices derived from herbs and amatl wood. A handsome example of this exceedingly uncommon - only ten copies are currently cited in OCLC WorldCat - and exceptionally striking document bound in thick wrappers with its original bright orange cloth ribbon ties bearing a cut paper image affixed to the front cover, as issued, additionally BOLDLY SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR in green ink on the front. Inventory Number: 027097