This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic. 

Alejandro Chavez depicts Saint Martin de Porres, a Dominican brother in a handcrafted retablo or diorama. Trained in the medical arts, the revered saint is sculpted from ceramic plaster and finally painted by hand.
 

Product Features:

• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 9.75" H x 5.5" W x 3.3" D
• Colors: Brown, blue, yellow
• Materials: Plywood and ceramic
• Made in Peru. 

Story Behind the Art: 

In every one of my creations I hope you will be able to recognize my great love for this art form.

Alejandro Chávez was born on January 30, 1956. He specializes in the creations of retablos, a kind of reverent diorama-altar typical of the Ayacucho region of Peru. He learned this technique as a boy in school, when he was 17 years old and living in Ayacucho, where his parents moved when he was just 2 years old. 

When Chávez returned to his hometown, he began working in the studio of Angel Castro, a master artisan. Here he refined his techniques in the creation of retablos, eagerly learning the art from his teacher. Later, Chávez formed his own workshop after the death of his teacher, continuing to give shape to this art form. The customs and traditions of the Andean people emerge in every piece. 

In every one of my creations I hope you will be able to recognize my great love for this art form. You will also fine the contributions of my wife as well, for she molds the characters. I am currently teaching my nieces and nephews as well. 

I sincerely hope that you enjoy your retablo, which brings together the culture and traditions of the Andes. 

Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.