Peruvian Retablos

The Social and Political Art of the Jimenez Family

Retablos are wooden boxes filled with brightly colored figures arranged into intricate narrative scenes of religious, historical and everyday events important to the indigenous people of the highlands of Peru.

For the Jimenez family, retablo art is a family tradition. The third and fourth generations of this family with origins in the Andean region of Ayacucho are now working as retablistas Their deft hands move quickly and with confidence to fashion people, animals and mythological figures as they create poignant scenes from a doughy mixture of boiled potato and gypsum powder. The most important tool is a small piece of wood resembling a large toothpick.

Toy Shop Retablo Large

Airplanes, trains, and dolls, the shelves behind the workers are chock-a-block full colorful toys. A roomful of busy craftspeople are creating enough toys to delight the child in each of us! The rustic exterior of this retablo is painted with colorful flowers. By Mabilon Jimenez.

14"T x 8"W x 3"D (when closed) 15"W (when fully open)
$312.00

click here or image to enlarge

Virgin of Guadalupe Retablo

Created by the Jimenez family retablo makers of Peru, this Virgin of Guadalupe has very sweet features. Her cloak and the surrounding arch are painted with traditional Peruvian patterns. A lovely piece for yourself or a gift!

9”T x 8”W x 2”D
$94.00

Cat's Living Room Retablo

This charming retablo will delight any cat lover! Cats playing on the sofa, under the tables, on top of the tables, on the windowsills, in the cupboards - absolutely everywhere. White cats, yellow cats, black cats, tiger stripes too. Every kind of cat imaginable. Wonderful details. By Eleudora Jimenez.

9.75"T x 7.75"W x 3 "D (when closed)
$235.00

Sold

click here or image to enlarge

click here for view with doors closed

click here or image to enlarge

click here for view with doors closed

Toy Shop Retablo Medium

The workers in this toy shop are creating shelves full of colorful toys of all kinds, just in time for the holidays! The outside of this rustic style retablo is painted with colorful flowers. By Mabilon Jimenez.

7.5"T x 4"W x 2.25 "D (when closed)
$118.00

Sold

Weaving Workshop Retablo

This retablo shows the workers in action: dying wool, weaving at a floor loom and selling the final product. The walls are covered with various tapestries.

5.5"T x 4.25"W (when closed)
$58.00

Sold

click here or image to enlarge

Retablo Style Cross

This stunning cross by Fecho Gonzalez of Huancayo, Peru is covered with many different religious symbols. The face of Jesus in the central niche is flanked by two angels. Among the symbols are the sun and moon, dice, a sacred heart, a rooster, dove, a chalice and a sack with "30 pieces of silver".

17"T x 8"W x 2 1/2"D
$212.00

Musical Instrument Workshop Retablo

The artisans are all busy at work surrounded by the various instruments they are creating.

4.5"T x 4"W (when closed)
$58.00

click here or image to enlarge

Mask Maker Retablo

Surrounded by their wonderful collection of Carnival masks, the artisans are busily at work while their puppies relax from under the table.

2.75"T x 2.75"W (when closed)
$28.00

Music Shop Matchbox Retablo

2.5"T x 1.5"W
$21.00

The Hat Shop Retablo

3'T x 2.75"W
$32.00

Guadalupe Matchbox Retablo 2.5"T x 1.5"W $18.00

click here or image to enlarge	Bakery Retablo The detail is just amazing in this miniature bakery scene! There are three bakers and their pet dog in this matchbox size retablo. 2"T x 2"W (when closed) $18.00 Temporarily Out of Stock

Mermaid Retablo This matchbox sized retablo illustrates a local folktale with a mermaid playing her guitar alongside the river, watched by three farmers and their pet dog. 2"T x 2"W (when closed) $18.00 Temporarily Out of Stock	click here or image to enlarge