SANTEROS: THE ART OF DEVOTION
The richly traditional, centuries-old santos art form of religious icons portrays sacred figures in the Roman Catholic religion that play an important part in community daily life.
Traditional santos represent saints or sacred beings to whom prayers are offered, and provide a meditation focus. Created in two forms, the retablo, a two-dimensional form painted on flat pieces of wood, and the bulto, a three-dimensional image carved out of wood, the santos promote the spiritual development of the faithful and are a reminder of the richness and depth of their faith.

Many of the santos depict patron saints selected as special protectors or guardians over different areas of life who intercede with God on behalf of the faithful, including blessings related to occupations, diseases, churches, countries, and other important aspects of daily life.

One of the most popular images is San Ysidro, patron saint of farmers. Always depicted as a farmer, he wears a broad-brimmed hat and is accompanied by an angel who guides a plow pulled by two oxen. Other common images include the Holy Family and Jesus; sacred mysteries such as the Holy Trinity , the Annunciation, and Resurrection. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, (Our Lady of Guadalupe), considered to have come directly to aid the Mexican people, is a particular favorite.

Originally, santeros or santos carvers were local, self-taught artists who were commissioned to make images for either church or personal use. The art form has been passed down through the generations and the same artistic traditions exist today.

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