Vintage Hand-Carved Santero Bulto: New Mexican Folk Art, Priestly Vestments

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Description

This is a one-of-a-kind hand-carved and hand-painted wooden santo figure, or bulto — mid-20th century folk art from Mexico or … Read more This is a one-of-a-kind hand-carved and hand-painted wooden santo figure, or bulto — mid-20th century folk art from Mexico or the American Southwest, dating from the 1940s to 1960s. The figure is carved from a single block of wood, with a solemn stylized face, black painted hair, and vibrant green and red robes adorned with gold crosses and leafy motifs. A large carved cross extends down the body, symbolizing its devotional nature.

A bulto, by definition, is a devotional carving of a saint, priest, or holy figure made by santeros, often painted in bold colors and intended for home altars or churches. Unlike smaller retablos or mass-produced figurines, bultos are three-dimensional sculptures created with care and symbolism, each one carrying the individuality of its maker.

What makes this particular bulto special is its scale, presence, and individuality. At over 22 inches tall, it is larger than most examples encountered outside of institutional collections, and its brightly painted vestments with crosses and floral-inspired motifs give it a celebratory, sacred energy. The angular carving of the face and robes reflect a santero’s personal style, showing the hand of the maker in every cut of the wood. This is not a mass-market reproduction but a genuine piece of folk devotion, full of character, imperfections, and the patina of age.

Height: 22.25 in
Width: 5.5 in
Depth: 2 in
Weight: 46.2 oz

Bultos like this were traditionally made for worship but have since become highly collected as expressions of Hispanic folk art. This example dates to the mid-20th century, when Catholic iconography and rustic craftsmanship merged into deeply personal objects of faith.

Material: Hand-carved wood, polychrome paint
Style: Folk Art / Santo (Religious Icon)
Colors: Green, red, brown, gold, black
Condition: Vintage wear consistent with age; minor paint chipping and surface marks add to its authentic patina

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