SALE FOR ONE PAIR-CHOOSE BY THE MATERIAL AT THE TOP OF THE RETABLO

In this same earring category, you will find additional Retablo Saint earrings that are made by Doug. Please view the last photo to see the additional Saints we stock! You can also find them by putting Doug’s name in the search bar when you’re on the front page of the website or by clicking on his name in this category!!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SANTERO DOUG NAVA ,PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF LISTING!

ABOUT THE SAINT:

Santo Niño de Atocha is a widely venerated Roman Catholic representation of the Christ Child as a young pilgrim.

The devotion began in the 13th century in Atocha, Spain, and later became deeply rooted in Mexico (with a famous shrine in Fresnillo) and the American Southwest, including New Mexico at the “Santuario de Chimayó” with large processions and blessings. Devotees will leave baby shoes for the statue, believing they are worn by the Infant Jesus as he journeys to help people.

Originating in Atocha, Spain (now part of Madrid), during the Moorish occupation, the 13th century legend goes that Christian men that were imprisoned in dungeons were denied food by their captors unless brought by children under age 12. Legend says a mysterious young boy began bringing food and water to the prisoners, yet his basket of bread and water gourd never emptied. The townspeople noticed the shoes on the statue of the Christ Child in the local church of Our Lady of Atocha regularly became dusty and worn, leading them to believe the infant Jesus was walking the night to aid the needy.

Santo Niño de Atocha is depicted as a 12-year-old boy dressed as a traditional medieval pilgrim, wearing a cloak with a scallop shell (symbol of the Camino de Santiago), a plumed hat, and sandals. He carries a walking staff, a drinking gourd for water, and a small basket for bread and is shown sitting on a small chair or throne.

PATRON SAINT OF: Travelers, people in danger, and the wrongfully accused or unjustly imprisoned.

FEAST DAY: The primary feast day for Santo Niño de Atocha is celebrated on December 25 (Christmas Day), with some regional traditions also observing celebrations on January 1

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WHAT IS A RETABLO?

If you are not familiar with what a retablo is, it is a form of "devotional art" — a painting that features icons of saints rendered on a flat surface. In New Mexico or in old Mexico, retablos are painted on all kinds of wood — from repurposed doors to wooden plaques or any other flat panel — as long as the surface is smooth and level.

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EARRING INFO ON BOTH:

MEASUREMENTS: 2-5/8” X 1.25” (FROM EAR WIRE CURVATURE TO BOTTOM)

RETABLO MEASUREMENT WITHOUT EAR WIRE: 1.75” X 1.25”

METAL:GOLD TONE WIRE

COMBINED WEIGHT OF BOTH: 7.3 GRAMS

MATERIAL: NATURAL PIGMENTS-WOOD-PEARLS-TURQUOISE NUGGETS-DARK PURPLE AMETHYST CRYSTALS

TECHNIQUE: ENTIRELY HAND MADE-HAND PAINTED-HAND CUT WOOD

COME GIFT BOXED

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PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING:

I do not consider myself a 'professional photographer" but I do try my hardest to give you photos that are 'realistic" in color. Realize however that all monitors are different, so the materials can look brighter (or duller) from one computer to the next.

To give you close up photos to provide all the finer detail, pictures can tend to make the item look GIGANTIC & everything is more magnified than in actuality. To get an accurate measurement, you can either check out the photos showing them on the ear or if you have a tape measure on hand, you can compare it to my given measurements.

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ABOUT THE ARTIST: SANTERO DOUG NAVA:

Doug Nava is a born-and-raised native of Santa Fe, New Mexico, deeply rooted in the region’s traditions. He grew up in a very traditional family that instilled in him a profound appreciation for the beauty and importance of his Spanish roots.

He is an artist known particularly known for creating art using Spanish colonial techniques that reflect 18th century Spanish New Mexico, especially in Hispanic New Mexican communities.

A former student of the well known New Mexican Santero “CHARLES CARRILLO” (Google name to learn more), Doug absorbed Charlie’s decades of knowledge and technique and then set out in his own direction. Over time he developed a distinct, personal approach—developing his own “signature style”—that makes it possible to recognize his work at a glance. That unmistakable individuality is what impressed me the first time I encountered his pieces: his retablos are made with not only a whole lot of love that goes into each & every piece, but are expertly executed as well. They all possess a unique quality that clearly sets him apart from other New Mexico Santeros (or Santeras)

Doug has been showing his works of art annually at Santa Fe’s Traditional Spanish Market since 2018. His retablos have since been placed in notable locations, including Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas, and most recently he was commissioned to contribute work for the Governor’s Mansion Christmas decorations here in Santa Fe.

Doug is also an active member of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council, and in 2022 he was honored and chosen to portray Don Diego de Vargas—a role that fulfilled a cherished childhood dream. He brings deep love, steadfast faith, and unwavering commitment to his community and to the century-old traditions into which he was born.

I am honored to call him my friend, and I must say that knowing him and seeing how closely connected he is to the many saints he paints, there is no doubt he is continually surrounded and protected by those same angels.