Retablos are Santos that are painted on hand adzed wooden panels. Usually pine is the traditional wood that is used. After the panel is carved and formed, gesso is applied in layers. This process requires the right temperature and it usually takes no less than four layers to completely cover the retablo (This process takes no less than 5 to 6 hours). After the retablo has dried it is ready to be painted on. After the painting process is completed the retablo is varnished and sealed with a natural resin (which is collected from the pinon tree). A natural bee’s wax varnish is applied to tone down the luster and shine of the retablo. Retablo's are traditionally found in home altars, churches and moradas. Often is the New Mexican retablo mistaken as the same as the Mexican Retablo. The difference is that the Mexican retablo is typically done on copper or tin where as the New Mexican retablo is done on wood.
Bultos
Bultos are three dimensional sculptures that represent the Saints, God and Mary. These images were traditionally carved out of cotton wood root gathered typically from the Rio Grande River which runs down the central area of New Mexico. Other types of wood used include aspen and pine. The process of gessoing and varnishing are very much the same as in the process of making a retablo, they are gessoed then varnished. These bultos are also finished with a natural bees wax.
Colonial Santos
The Santos have long played an important role in the lives of Hispanos. The earliest forms of religious imagery in New Mexico were done on hide paintings. This was an important tool used for the conversion of native peoples. Retablos and Bultos following the hide paintings were also fashioned by local craftsman. These images began to flourish towards the end of the 18 th century. New Mexican villagers had a need for the Santos, (holy images) as they were venerated for specific causes. Many of the individuals who produced these images for the community were documented in the colonial times as pintores (painters) or escultores (sculptors). It was not until many years later that these artisans were given the title of santero or saint makers. To the best of their ability how ever crude or simple the images may have been the Santos were made out of necessity for the devout peoples of the Hispanic villages. Retablos, Bultos and Hide Paintings are indigenous to the villages of New Mexico. These images were produced with natural materials found in the New Mexico landscape. With the exception of some imported minerals most of the paints, woods and other materials were extracted from the local environment. Time consuming as it may be, the making and painting of Santos is still a strong tradition that is supported by the devout and collector alike. For more history on the Santos check out Santos and Saints , The Religious Folk Art of Hispanic New Mexico by Thomas J. Steele, S.J. or Santos : Enduring Images of Northern New Mexican Village Churches by Marie Romero Cash.
