Folk Art from New Mexico Estate Santo Bulto Wood Carved St John the Baptist 21

  

From an estate here in New Mexico: a hand carved and painted wooden folk art bulto of Saint John the Baptist, with staff and sheep. The base measures 9x4 inches. Exact origin not known, but we believe this piece may be Guatemalan. Interestingly, the right arm and staff are removable (see photos). The folk-art tradition of wooden santo carving by santeros and santeras (saint makers) dates back over 400 years, making it one of the longest surviving folk-art traditions since it exists even today here in New Mexico, and throughout parts of the Americas.

Sacred images of saints and religious figures are carved and hand painted as retablos (2 dimensional) or bultos (3 dimensional). Please review all listing photos and message me with any additional questions. I take pride in providing accurate information, and clear photos. I package with extreme care, using recycled materials wherever possible. Thanks for looking, and happy shopping!