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Santos figurines are very essential when it comes to the Santos tradition. Some of these figurines are made in some specific regions, while others are made in certain countries, like the Philippines, where they make the Santon. Below are the main types of Santos figurines.
Santos are some of the most sacred images in religious terms and are sculptures of saints, a type of figurine originating from Spain. They are in most cases sculpted out of wood, with their clothes sculpted out of different kinds of textiles. Many of the Santos in colonial Mexico and Latin America were sculpted in Spain and later brought to the New World, thus acquiring their characteristic Baroque style. Today, Santos can be collected or used for decoration, while in some groups and communities, they are still utilized for worship and as a source of inspiration. The figurines are somewhat unique because of their historical significance and the materials they are made from.
As for the Santons, they are of the same type and size as Santos, with the only difference being that they are of Provencal origin. Santons, which means "little saint" in Occitan, are crèche figurines used in Christmas nativity scenes and represent different characters from biblical and local Provençal life. Traditionally, Santons are sculpted out of clay and later painted by hand, even though there are now some made from other materials.
Just like those carved from wood, plaster Santos are painted and given a protective coat. They are considered very affordable to many who may not have access to the more expensive ones. While plaster Santos are more inexpensive, they do require a state of mind for careful handling since they are more likely to break than those made of wood.
Santos figures are also made of papier-mâché, which is another affordable option. This material is flexible and allows the sculptor to create unique and detailed work. The Santos that have been sculpted using papier-mâché are actually quite lightweight, but they need to be well handled to avoid getting damaged.
The design of Santon and Santo figurines is detailed, and all aspects consider tradition and symbolism. The materials used to make the figurines also affect the outcome and the different types of papel mache Santos available.
Wooden Santos are among the most well-known and cherished Santos. They are usually made from a single piece of wood, as the artists believe a single piece of wood captures the spirit of the saint better than multiple parts of the woods can do. Some sculptors prefer using non-precious woods such as pine because they believe that it is best to use wood that can be easily damaged to create the image of humble saints. The sculptures are usually painted in a way that one can see the garments of the saint, though the face and the details of the hands are usually left plain solely for sculpting purposes. There are those who still carve the features in delicate work to reflect the artist's exceptional ability.
Just like wooden Santos, clay Santons are also molded and fashioned in a way that all the characters represented wear the same kind of clothes in a different style. Santons are crafted using very fine clay to allow for the portrayal of the exceptional detail that makes them unique. After the scone is burned in a kiln, each piece is glossy and painted with astounding conformity to the costumes and the culture of Provence.
Plaster Santons are sculpted in a similar manner to clay and are, therefore, quite cheap to procure. As mentioned above, while they are more affordable than clay and wood, they need to be very careful when handling them because they are more likely to break than the more expensive ones.
In most cases, the actors are shown in their dresses with great attention to detail within the context of today's society. Sometimes, wooden Santos are dressed in real cloth, which was a real innovation, while in many cases, only the clothes are represented as they cover the wood. Additional elements, such as crowns or items held by the hand, come with the figurines of Santos to show what each figurine is supposed to represent.
Every aspect of the Santos figurines is symbolic when it comes to the Santos figurines. The kind of wood used, the posture of the figure, and the way the saint is dressed all depict the specific saint's stories or some attributes of the saint. For instance, Santo figures are always depicted holding their respective emblems: a sword for Saint Paul and a lamb for Saint Francis. Such specific details are of great importance to distinguish between some Santos resembling one another.
Santos figurines are used in a variety of situations due to their artistic, cultural, and religious value. Below are some of the most common uses for Santo figures:
Since Santos are sacred works of art, they are utilized for devotion in special circumstances. Instead of being used for decoration or as artistic pieces, some worshipers use Santos as spiritual objects. In some monasteries and convents in the Latin nations, the figures of Santos are still employed in processions or religious ceremonies, and the figures are of great importance in Catholicism.
As for the Santos that a majority of people place in their homes, they are purely decorative purposes. Santos and Santon figures come with some charm and beauty, adding to any given interior. The images of Santos are sometimes put in a way to create with them themes of different rooms, depending on what ethnic group or style they belong to.
Plague Santons have a major place in the Christmas activities of Provence. They are a part of events referred to as the "Fouées," where locals and visitors meet to witness the figurines in parades, and they narrate a story as they perform. There also exists a market for Santons after the shows, which is an interesting event that provides a glimpse into the traditions of the area through the epics of the figurines.
Many people collect Santos and Santons as a form of art, which is why many people all over the world are increasingly getting interested in Santos and Santons. Collectors aim to get pictures of Santos made by certain artists or from certain periods in history because of how fascinating and beautiful each one is. Sometimes, the value of the porcelain Santos increases over time, making them collect items for both employment and investment.
Santos figurines are very useful to people who are not from Latin America or Provençal because the figurines are a primary source of information about the history, culture, and religious beliefs of these areas. Many museums and exhibition centers show Santos figures as a form of art and, at the same time, as a form of cultural heritage.
Appropriate curation and preservation plays a vital role in retaining the distinctiveness, beauty, and sanctity of Santos figurines. Below are the guidelines related to Santos pieces of information and how they should be maintained.
Santos should be protected from extreme temperatures and humidity levels that can change the sculpting material. Figures should not be placed in direct sunlight because the paint can eventually fade and destroy the figure.
Use a soft, dry cloth to dust the Santos figurine at least once a week. A microfiber cloth or a feather duster are good options. Do not use water or wet cloths, as moisture can damage the paint or the material.
Handle the Santos figurine only when necessary, and wash hands before touching to avoid transferring oils or dirt. If the figurine is made of delicate materials like papier-mâché or plaster, be extra cautious to prevent breakage.
Stability is the most important thing to take into account when dealing with broken or damaged Santos. In the event that the figurine is made of plaster or wood, one should do the task of carefully mending it by using non-toxic glue made from wood or a restorer's glue so as not to harm the Santo. If the Santo is valuable or requires complex repairs, it is preferable to consult a professional restorer.
To ensure that all Santos is in good condition, it is important to periodically check them for any signs of Possible insect attacks, cracking from drying up, mold growth through moisture, etc. To fix small problems before they grow into bigger ones, one needs to be aware of them as soon as possible. For instance, wooden Santos should be checked for insect signs, while clay ones should be looked at for cracks arising from changes in the neighborhood.
A1: Santos figurines are religious statues of saints, most commonly associated with folk art from Latin America, the Philippines, and Spain. Santons are a variant of Santos, originating from Provence in France.
A2: Santons are clay nativity figures used in Christmas scenes in Provence. They represent both biblical and local characters.
A3: Santos figurines should be kept in a stable environment away from direct sunlight. They should be dusted regularly and handled with care.
A4: Yes, minor damages can be repaired using suitable adhesives, but professional restoration is recommended for valuable pieces.
A5: Santos figurines can be made from wood, clay, plaster, or papier-mâché. Each material has its unique characteristics.
