Santero

Santo or Santero Art -- Santeros (Saint makers) paint or carve images of saints i.e. Santos.   

In the 1700’s, the tradition of the santero began to emerge in North America in small villages of what is now New Mexico.  Santero artwork can also be found in other colonized parts of Spain, namely Latin America and the Caribbean.

Paintings, carvings and other religious images were crucial for the conversions of indigenous peoples to Roman Catholic Church, which was itself an integral part of the Spanish colonization of the Americas. However, long distances, inefficient methods of transportation, and high demand for such artworks limited the ability of ecclesiastical authorities to supply parish churches, especially those in remote outposts like Northern New Mexico, with works of religious art from the Kingdom of Spain.  This lead to the creation and commission of locally produced artwork with strong focus on honoring the lives and faith of the Saints.

Santero artwork is represented in wood carvings, paintings on wood or stretched hides (often buffalo, elk or deer), metal artwork, crucifixes, and architectural elements.  Depending on the proximity and influence of culture, education and formal art training and techniques, Santero art ranges from very primative to highly refined.  These pieces also usually represent a strong hispanic and native cultural influence in the way of features, dress, landscape (for paintings) and symbols.

The work of these early santeros is still highly present in churches throughout Northern New Mexico, providing inspiration for the sacred art of today.