A Guide to Puerto Rico's Carved Saints

Hand-carving wooden santos (saints) is one of Puerto Rico's oldest traditional art forms, but to find authentic examples, you have to know where to look for the artisans—and their handiwork. Authentic santos will simply not be found in most souvenir shops.

History of the Santos

The history of these figures can be traced back to the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The missionaries spread God's word by telling stories animated and illustrated with carved santos. According to carver Miguel Díaz, missionaries left santos behind with prospective converts since churches were few and far between. Santos placed on home altars could help keep the spirit of God alive between their visits. Although missionaries are long gone, santos still enjoy a place of honor in many Puerto Ricans' homes and are highly prized by collectors on the island and abroad.

About the Saints

They are not unique to Puerto Rico; just as Spanish missionaries brought santos here, they also carried them to many other countries as well. In Puerto Rico, the most common figures are the Three Kings, Saint Barbara, Saint Francis, and La Mano Poderosa (The Powerful Hand, in which a member of the Holy Family tops each finger of a hand bearing the stigma). Typically carved in cedar, they are brushed with a coat of gesso and then painted. Some santos are ceramic.

Where to Find Them

Artisans can often be found working wood and selling their santos during craft fairs held along Old San Juan's Plaza Dársena, between the cruise piers and Paseo de la Princesa. Friday and Saturday evenings are sure bets, as are Sunday afternoons. But there are some prominent artisans in the country as well.

Avilés Family. The Avilés family maintains a museum of its generations of craft work. Visits are by appointment only. Santurce, San Juan787/455–4217.

Miguel Díaz. If you're interested in visiting an artisan's workshop, carver Miguel Díaz hosts visitors in his studio in Carolina. 787/392–8857.

Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts. The best source for santos in Old San Juan ensures that its entire stock comes from the hands of artisans who live on the island. The store carries the santos of the late self-taught carver Domingo Orta and of Antonio Avilés Burgos, who represents the third generation of carvers in his family. 204 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan787/725–5596 www.puertoricanart-crafts.com.

Prices

Prices vary depending on the size and quality of the craftsmanship. Prices for santos begin at $40 but may go up to several hundred dollars for larger or more elaborate pieces. Most of the carvers don't bargain; the first stated price is likely the lowest he or she is willing to go.