Woman of Tehuantepec

The Woman of Tehuantepec is a stone fountain sculpture in Balboa Park depicting a figure dressed in Mexican garments while holding a water vessel. The artwork anchors the courtyard of the House of Hospitality with its carved form and flowing water.

Artist Donal Hord created this outdoor sculpture in 1935 during a period of significant artistic development at Balboa Park. The work became part of the cultural and artistic expansion that defined the park's House of Hospitality.

The figure honors women from the Tehuantepec region in Mexico, whose traditional dress and place in community life remain central to their identity. The stone captures the dignity and pride these women held in their homeland.

The fountain sculpture sits in Balboa Park in San Diego, a year-round outdoor location within the House of Hospitality courtyard. Visitors can easily reach this spot while exploring the park's cultural center without any special preparation needed.

The Balboa Park Conservancy completed a comprehensive restoration in 2015 that returned the stone to its original condition and reversed decades of weathering. This renewal preserves the handcrafted details that Hord carved into the work for future generations.

GPS coordinates: 32.73112,-117.14978

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41