Diabo de três cornos 30cm - Prazeres Côta

This figurine brings to life a three-horned Devil, an emblematic figure from the folk imagination of Portugal’s Minho region. Fiery red, with a deliberately distorted face, wide-open eyes and tongue sticking out, he wears an expression that is both unsettling and deeply comical.

In his arms, he holds a second, smaller devil, like a miniature double or a mischievous companion. This unexpected detail adds a narrative dimension to the work and gives it an almost theatrical presence. Through the playful eye of Prazeres Côta, the Diabo leaves darkness behind to become a whimsical, irreverent and strangely endearing figure, poised between Portuguese folk art, ancient beliefs and humour.

Why I love it

• An unclassifiable work poised between folk art and naïve art.
• A unique and authentic piece.
• An expressive fragment of Portuguese popular culture.

Characteristics

• Unique piece
• Approx. height: 30cm (11.8'')
• Approx. weight: 2kg

More informations?

The Côta family is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic and charismatic names in the figurative folk art of Barcelos and the Minho region in northern Portugal.

Today, Prazeres, one of Júlia Côta’s daughters, passionately continues the family tradition begun by her great-grandfather, João Domingos Côta da Rocha, creator of the legendary Galo de Barcelos, which has become a symbol of Portugal.

Prazeres first came to wider public attention at the Feira de Barcelos in 2018, where she received the Revelation of the Year award. She is now recognised as a rising figure in Portuguese folk art. The Pottery Museum celebrates her work through the exhibition "Geração Côta", bringing together several of her creations from her own collection and from private collections.