colorful sculpture

Wearing an elaborate crown, Our Lady of Mount Carmel extends her arms in benediction. Alejandro Chávez portrays the Madonna named for Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where a chapel was built in her honor before her assumption into heaven. In 1251, she appeared in England, offering favors and protection to those who wear her scapular. Also known as Immaculate Virgin and Star of the Sea, she inspired the Carmelite order.

Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure and paints them by hand.

With quick, lithe footsteps, a dancer invokes the spirit of the deer. This dance evolved among the Yaqui people in Northern Mexico. Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association depict the dancer in ceramic. "The Dance of the Deer is a religious tradition and the most important element in Yaqui folklore," the Mexican artisans say. "It is a colorful and dramatic representation, characteristic of the state of Sonora."

Surrounded by an array of flowers, rays of light burst in a halo about the Virgin Mary. Alejandro Chávez shows her expression of loving concern for her son, Jesus, and for mankind. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand.

After Christ's death on the cross, the image itself came to be venerated as one of the most important Christian symbols. Alejandro Chávez shows an empty cross, graced with a portrait of Jesus. Ladders reach to beams where ofrendas (offerings) have been placed. Figures in traditional Andean dress kneel below the cross, their eyes lifted in devout prayer. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand; the retablo receives an antique finish.