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.

Retablo Maker Workshop

The delightful retablo workshop has always been one of our favorites! Beautifully detailed, it shows colorful artisans surrounded by itsy-bitsy realistic retablos while they create more magical scenes within their own rustic style retablo.

9 3/4"T x 11 1/2"W x 3"D
$298.00

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

Maskmaker Retablo

This richly colored maskmaker workshop is inhabited by skeleton artisans creating carnival masks. The outside of the doors are painted a large beautiful sun and surrounded by flowers.

14"T x 8"W x 3"D
$298.00

Flower Shop Retablo

The three flower vendors are surrounded by lovely pots of colorful flowers, just like in the markets of Peru!

12"W x 10 3/4"T x 2 1/2"D
$298.00

click here or image to enlarge

click here for view with doors closed

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

Two Level Retablo

This retablo shows two different stories. The top level is a mask makers' workshop. The lower level is a curandero or traditional healer.

7 1/2"T x 4"W x 2 1/8"D
$128.00