"Sadly, in 1999, my husband died. It was very difficult for the whole family, and I had to make a decision to continue with our artisan workshop. It wasn't easy."
"I was born in 1965 in the Department of Chalatenango in El Salvador. I spent my childhood with my mother and six brothers and sisters in a beautiful natural setting. We had such good times playing... read more
Featured customer reviews for Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo - Read all reviews

Kathleen 12/26/2021
Never received

Yoshiko 09/24/2021
Beautiful piece
29 items by Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Aztec Calendar
Central American Archaeological Wood Calendar
Aztec Calendar, Central American Archaeological Wood Calendar
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo recreates the elaborate stone sculpture known as the "Aztec Calendar" or "Sun Stone." Discovered in Mexico City, the original massive stone is on... read more$197.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Under a Star
Multicolored Nativity Sculpture
Under a Star, Multicolored Nativity Sculpture
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Crafted from pinewood, this touching sculpture depicts the holy nativity. El Salvador's Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo designs the colorful home accent, which is painted by hand with a low relief... read more$39.99$35.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Flora and Fauna
Wood Desk Organizer Pine Hand Painted El Salvador
Flora and Fauna, Wood Desk Organizer Pine Hand Painted El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
This pine organizer will bring whimsical character to any desk or office space! Hand crafted out of pinewood and varnished to shine, this box comes with two separate compartments for pens and pencils... read more$39.99$35.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Colorful Guardians
Pair of Hand-Painted Wood Bird Key Racks from El Salvador
Colorful Guardians, Pair of Hand-Painted Wood Bird Key Racks from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
The perfect home accessories, this pair of key racks is handcrafted of wood to feature the shape of majestic birds. These key guardians are hand-painted with colorful, vibrant designs by Salvadorian... read more$39.99$35.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Light of the Sun
Religious Pinewood Wall Cross from El Salvador
Light of the Sun, Religious Pinewood Wall Cross from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Handcrafted from pinewood, this wall cross from El Salvador is designed by Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo. She paints the cross by hand with the image of a colorful bird that rests under the light... read more$39.99$35.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Prayer of Love
Pinewood Wall Crosses from El Salvador (Set of 3)
Prayer of Love, Pinewood Wall Crosses from El Salvador (Set of 3)
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Handcrafted from pinewood, this set of three wall crosses from El Salvador is designed by Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo. She paints each brown cross by hand with the image of an angel that prays... read more$29.99$26.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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My Colorful Land
Hand-Painted Landscape Pinewood Wall Art from El Salvador
My Colorful Land, Hand-Painted Landscape Pinewood Wall Art from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Painted by hand onto a circle of pinewood, a Salvadoran village is lush with trees, flowers, and fauna beneath the light of the sun. Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo creates this piece of wall art for... read more$39.99$35.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Beauty in the Air
Pair of Pinewood Butterfly Wall Sculptures from El Salvador
Beauty in the Air, Pair of Pinewood Butterfly Wall Sculptures from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Handcrafted of pinewood and painted with bright, happy colors, this pair of wall sculptures from El Salvador depicts beautiful butterflies that soar through the air. Inspired by themes of symmetry... read more$67.99$61.19Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Familial Union
Handcrafted Painted Wood Wall Cross from El Salvador
Familial Union, Handcrafted Painted Wood Wall Cross from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
With hopes of growing her workshop in order to extend her art to more people, Salvadorian artisan Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo designs this vibrant wall cross. Handcrafted of pinewood in a dark... read more$54.99$49.49Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Traditions of My Land
Hand Crafted Folk Art Wall Plaques (Pair)
Traditions of My Land, Hand Crafted Folk Art Wall Plaques (Pair)
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
This pretty pair of wall plaques is from El Salvador's Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo, who offers a glimpse into the iconic images of her native land. The two colorful plaques are crafted from pine... read more$79.99$71.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Soaring Above
Hand Painted Small Wood Decorative Box from El Salvador
Soaring Above, Hand Painted Small Wood Decorative Box from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Keep little treasures like wallet-sized photos, lapel pins or precious coins in this small decorative box. Crafting this small box from pinewood in her workshop in La Palma, El Salvadoran artisan... read more$29.99$26.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Merry Green
Hand Painted Wood Christmas Wreath from El Salvador
Merry Green, Hand Painted Wood Christmas Wreath from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Rethink the traditional pine needle wreath with this original nativity-themed wreath sculpted from solid pinewood, which will stand the test of time for years of enjoyment. From her workshop in La... read more$44.99$40.49Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Peaceful Beginning
Handmade Wood Christmas Nativity Scene from El Salvador
Peaceful Beginning, Handmade Wood Christmas Nativity Scene from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
El Salvadoran artisan Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo crafts this nativity scene with pinewood, sculpting the figures of mother Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus, painting each detail by hand, inspired... read more$34.99$31.49Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Community of Love
Handmade Guatemalan Religious Wood Cross
Community of Love, Handmade Guatemalan Religious Wood Cross
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
With open arms, Jesus centers this beautiful cross. It depicts a village of colorful homes with red tile roofs and the happy people who live in them. By Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo, the hand... read more$47.99$43.19Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Family of Love
Hand-Painted Pinewood Wall Cross from El Salvador
Family of Love, Hand-Painted Pinewood Wall Cross from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Handcrafted from pinewood, this wall cross from El Salvador is designed by Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo. She paints the cross by hand with various images, such as flowers, a rainbow, a dove of... read more$39.99$35.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Happy Home
Pinewood photo frame (4x6)
Happy Home, Pinewood photo frame (4x6)
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Illuminated by the sun, a cluster of houses with red tile roofs nestles beneath shade trees. Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo shares images of El Salvador in this delightful picture frame. Crafted and... read more$57.99$52.19Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Guardian Angel
Handcrafted Pinewood Wall Accent
Guardian Angel, Handcrafted Pinewood Wall Accent
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
This heartwarming home accent is designed and crafted by Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo in El Salvador. The wall art is crafted from pinewood and painted by hand with a praying guardian angel under... read more$49.99$44.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Christmas in El Salvador
Pinewood retablo
Christmas in El Salvador, Pinewood retablo
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
This brilliant retablo celebrates the nativity in a Central American setting. Accompanied by a cow and a donkey, Mary and Joseph receive the newborn Christ child. Birds, butterflies, a lamb and an... read more$44.99$40.49Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Friends in Flight
Pair of Pinewood Butterfly Wall Sculptures from El Salvador
Friends in Flight, Pair of Pinewood Butterfly Wall Sculptures from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Handcrafted of pinewood and painted with rich autumnal colors, this pair of wall sculptures from El Salvador depicts friendly butterflies that soar together through the air. Inspired by themes of... read more$67.99$61.19Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Beauties from La Palma
Hand Painted La Palma Decorative Wood Box from El Salvador
Beauties from La Palma, Hand Painted La Palma Decorative Wood Box from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
This petite decorative box by Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo is beautifully hand-painted. Working in bright tropical colors, the Salvadoran artisan creates a lively scene, featuring birds, animals... read more$59.99$53.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Beautiful Land
Decorative Painted Wood Plaque
Beautiful Land, Decorative Painted Wood Plaque
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Colorful birds perch among trees, pottery and pyramids on this pretty wall plaque from Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo in El Salvador. The round plaque is crafted from pine wood and painted by hand.... read more$59.99$53.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Country Birds
Artisan Crafted Wood Wall Accent (13 Inch)
Country Birds, Artisan Crafted Wood Wall Accent (13 Inch)
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Colorful birds perch among flowers, leaves and pyramids on this pretty wall plaque from Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo in El Salvador. The round plaque is crafted from pine wood and painted by hand.... read more$59.99$53.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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My Roots
Hand-Painted Wood Wall Plaque
My Roots, Hand-Painted Wood Wall Plaque
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
"Our designs have their roots in the history of El Salvador," says artisan Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo of her decorative wood plaques. This beautiful round wall accent is crafted from... read more$59.99$53.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Armadillo Garden
Pinewood cross
Armadillo Garden, Pinewood cross
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
By Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo, this cheerful handcrafted cross depicts creatures of the rain forest. A colorful bird, brilliant flowers and whimsical armadillo bask in the light of the sun.$89.99$80.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Light and Hope
Wood Nativity Sculpture with Star from El Salvador
Light and Hope, Wood Nativity Sculpture with Star from El Salvador
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Add a touch of warmth and joy to your holiday decor with this lovely nativity figurine by Maria Estela Perlera Portillo. It depicts the Holy Family as they embrace under the Star of Bethlehem. It's... read more$44.99$40.49Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Country Birds
Hand Crafted Wood Wall Plaque (10 Inch)
Country Birds, Hand Crafted Wood Wall Plaque (10 Inch)
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Colorful birds perch among flowers, leaves and pyramids on this pretty wall plaque from Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo in El Salvador. The round plaque is crafted from pine wood and painted by hand.... read more$44.99$40.49Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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El Salvador Woman
Hand Painted Wood Decorative Box
El Salvador Woman, Hand Painted Wood Decorative Box
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
A beautiful woman peeks out from behind traditional homes, each image painted by hand. By Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo, this colorful box is crafted of pinewood with motifs from El Salvador.$44.99$40.49Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Bird in Shadow
Pinewood box
Bird in Shadow, Pinewood box
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Deep in the rainforest, a crested bird emerges from shadow. Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo designs a pinewood box with a mosaic cover. Four shades of wood are used to create the handcrafted chest.$67.99$61.19Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
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Purple Quetzal
Unique Hand Painted Wood Plate Bird Wall Art
Purple Quetzal, Unique Hand Painted Wood Plate Bird Wall Art
Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
All is color and beauty in a tiny town in El Salvador. Homes cluster in the shade of an ancient tree where a purple bird flaunts colorful plumage. By Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo, this enchanting... read more$49.99$44.99Artist: Maria Estela Perlera de Portillo
Customer Reviews
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Barbara
Verified Reviewer
12/27/2021
"Gorgeous!!!"
It is even more beautiful than in the online photo and in the catalog! The light to dark woods are combined beautifully and the amount of work to create this piece is awe-inspiring. Not only do I love it, but I took a photo and emailed it to about 10 people and showed it to half a dozen more today. EVERYONE agreed with me. It was my Christmas present to myself. My family room walls and shelves are showcases for items Ive bought during 50 years of travel as well as items from countries I havent yet visited. This is now my favorite piece of all.
Purchased Item:
Aztec Calendar, Central American Archaeological Wood Calendar
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Kathleen
Verified Reviewer
12/26/2021
"Never received"
I cant give a review for this product since it was never received by me. It was so disappointing since they received payment for the item.
Purchased Item:
Birds of Flowers, Pair of Handcrafted Bird Wood Wall Art from El Salvador
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Yoshiko
Verified Reviewer
09/24/2021
"Beautiful piece"
I really like this beautiful cross. The characters represent the artist s country and culture. I can see how she loves it. I m happy to have this piece in my house. Thank you!
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robin
Verified Reviewer
06/21/2021
"colorful and meaningful"
This is real art. Very good job.
Purchased Item:
Splendor of Jesus, Handcrafted Religious Wood Wall Cross from El Salvador
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Daniel
Verified Reviewer
05/20/2021
"Beautiful"
Great unique shape and position of this sculpture. Once again, I am very pleased with a purchase i made through Novica.
Purchased Item:
Birth, Life and Love, Hand Painted Wood Nativity Scene Sculpture
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Judith
Verified Reviewer
02/09/2021
"Focal point in my happy place"
Exquisite workmanship--dynamic rendering of colors on high-quality glossy wood. I have three pieces by this artist.
Best Uses
- Brightening a room
Purchased Item:
Birds of Flowers, Pair of Handcrafted Bird Wood Wall Art from El Salvador
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