Handcrafted Traditional Retablo of Soldiers Asking for Peace, "United for Peace"

"This work is my own vision of world peace, and also how I portray that message to the world through my art. Through this altarpiece, I want to convey the importance of seeing ourselves as sentient human beings, capable of shaking hands with each other to finally put politics aside and unite for harmony in our society and calm," says Peruvian artisan Erika Ulloa of her painstakingly handcrafted wood and ceramic work of art, in the traditional retablo style.

She sends a strong message of peace through this complex scene, with handmade soldiers abandoning their weapons for friendship and love. With every detail painted by hand, the artist says this retablo represents the prayers of a world asking for a society united by and for peace.