Santos in Oaxaca's Ancient Churches

A study of santos in 16th-century and other churches in Oaxaca, Mexico

In Santiago Tilantongo:

Christ
Christ: Ecce Homo
Christ seated in the pretorium
Crucifix 1
Crucifix 2
Holy Week Group (3 santos)
Our Lady of Sorrows (Soledad)
St. James as Moor-slayer 1
St. James as Moor-slayer 2
St. James as Moor-slayer 3
St. James as pilgrim
St. Sebastian
Virgin Mary 1
Virgin Mary 2

Basis for Identification: The writing on the little box before the statue reads Una limosna para La Reconstrucción de mi Templo ("A donation for the reconstruction of my church"). The mi templo might refer to St. James, the church's patron saint, whose picture is also on the box. But the santo's gesture, the treatment of the hair and beard, and the absence of any attributes of St. James on the statue itself all lead us to conclude tentatively that this is a statue of Christ.

Other characteristics: Green cape, white robe.

Site: Church of Santiago Tilantongo.

Location: First bay of the south wall of the nave (see note).

Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, fabric garments. Eyes: glass, with lashes. Hair: wig over sculpted hair. Closed mouth.

Size: About 3½ feet (105 cm.)

Santos Home Page

Note: On this site, references to the cardinal directions always assume that the main altar is at the east end of the church, the narthex or entry area at the west end, and the two walls of the nave on the north and south. (The nave is the long central section.) Actual orientations may differ.

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