OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — BOLIVIA 212. PALO SANTO HOLY FAMILY
This triptych Holy Family is carved from fragrant Palo Santo wood (meaning “Holy Wood” in Spanish). This wood is special, reserved for religious carvings in Bolivia. It can be green to brown or beige and has a unique grain and pleasant smell. The tree belongs to the same family (Burseraceae) as frankincense and myrrh.
The three pieces of this triptych were carved from one wood branch: the branch is cut in half from top to bottom, then one of the cut pieces is cut in half again from top to bottom. The resulting three pieces are each carved and tied together with rough cord. This creates what appears to be one stick when the triptych is closed, but it opens to reveal the Holy Family. This triptych was purchased at the Catholic church on the Central Plaza in La Paz, Bolivia. The scene measures 5 inches tall.
The three pieces of this triptych were carved from one wood branch: the branch is cut in half from top to bottom, then one of the cut pieces is cut in half again from top to bottom. The resulting three pieces are each carved and tied together with rough cord. This creates what appears to be one stick when the triptych is closed, but it opens to reveal the Holy Family. This triptych was purchased at the Catholic church on the Central Plaza in La Paz, Bolivia. The scene measures 5 inches tall.