Peruvian Religious Sculpture

This is a truly wonderful, handmade work of art. The carving is smoothly and expertly done; the wood grain is beautifully showcased. Although this piece has an exquisite simplicity to it, the love between Mary and Joseph and their love for the Holy Child is evident, as Mary and Baby Jesus are cradled in Joseph’s arms. It is one of those pieces where the artist hasn’t had to create something complicated or overly intricate in order to convey so much. Fernando Castro has “spoken” in a whisper - yet, when you hold this special and artful piece in your hands, his message of love, heartfelt compassion, and respect can be heard as powerfully and clearly as if he had shouted it from a mountain top.

For past two years have hosted a "Nativity Open House" with depictions from many countries/cultures. I especially like the cultural reference of the hat shop below. Just as many of us learn the story of room made for the Holy Family in the animal's shelter, this shows room made for the birth and adoration of Jesus where a family makes their livelihood.

I bought the first one for myself as a confirmation gift because one of our Deacons, in a class for new Catholics, said every Catholic home must have a few things - one of them was a statue or photo or painting, etc., of our Blessed Mother Mary. I bought the second for a woman in my Bible study, who is from Peru and just moved into a new home. I bought the third one for my sister, because when she saw a photo of mine, she fell in love with it - not for the religious appeal, but from a folk art perspective - and after looking at many online, I can't agree more. I watched the video of how the artisan makes the retablo and it added even greater value to it. I simply love them. I love the scene behind Mary - the high mountains, and the flowers, in a wooden box with doors. I mounted mine on a wall in my home office and see it from where I sit. I'm buying the next one as a thank you gift for a close friend who I will be visiting in a few weeks.