Santos: Enduring Images of Northern New Mexican Village Churches - Hardcover

Cash, Marie Romero

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 087081494X ISBN 13: 9780870814945

Publisher: Univ Pr of Colorado, 1999

Synopsis

Richly illustrated with examples of 18th- and 19th-century art from northern New Mexico's village churches, Santos is an in-depth investigation into the artistic heritage of the New Mexican santero (saint maker).

Along with photographer Jack Parsons, Marie Romero Cash visited every church in the region and documented, identified, and measured each piece. Together they photographed over 500 pieces, including 19 moradas (places of worship for Penitentes) and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe collection housed at the Museum of International Folk Art. Along the way, Cash uncovered numerous examples of unique santero art that were housed in these churches, protected by thick adobe walls and dedicated mayordomos (caretakers). In some cases, these pieces had survived intact as long as two hundred years.

In addition to cataloging these pieces, Cash delves into the specific artistic origins of this unique form, identifying two previously unknown major santeros, the 18th-Century Novice and the Laguna Santero. Cash's extensive research into these formerly "anonymous" artisans fills a gap in the study of this unique form, making Santos indispensable for art historians and the general reader interested in the culture and art of the American Southwest.

About this title

About the Author:

Marie Romero Cash is a native of Santa Fe and a nationally known folk artist/santera. She has lectured and written widely on the subject of the New Mexican santero and the traditions and cultures of northern New Mexico. Her previous books include BUILT OF EARTH AND SONG: CHURCHES OF NORTHERN NEW MEXICO (Red Crane Books) and LIVING SHRINES: HOME ALTARS OF NEW MEXICO (Museum of New Mexico Press).

Review:

"This labor of love meticulously documents and will help protect an artistic tradition that dates back to New Mexico's colonial days. It should be held in the same high esteem as E. Boyd's seminal 1946 book, Saints and Saint Makers of New Mexico."

About this edition

• Publisher: Univ Pr of Colorado
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 087081494X
• ISBN 13: 9780870814945
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 274