Devotional Art Work of the Santuario

Retablos are devotional paintings on wood or tin. They are usually an integral part of large carved wood pieces which stand against the wall behind an altar, however, in northern New Mexico they are also sometimes found against the walls of the transepts or nave.

​

Bultos are wooden sculptures of saints and other religious figures. They are also called "santos", referring to their depiction of saints. The carvers are called "santeros".

​

El Santuario de Chimayó hosts many outstanding examples of retablos and bultos made by local santeros.

 

Please visit our church to see this amazing work.