Friday, November 18, 2011

Santos Caged Doll


SANTOS CAGED DOLL

Benedetta, Santos Caged Doll

I CREATED A SAINT! It’s true. Benedetta, is the first in my Santos series. I thought this name to be appropriate since it means, blessed in Italian. It wasn’t very long ago that I first heard about Santos dolls and since then I notice they seem to be appearing everywhere. After completing a full fledged study about them, I was hooked.

Close-up

Santos, in Spanish, means saint. They represent a Spanish Colonial and European style and originated as copies of 17th century carvings created by priests. They were created as altars for villagers who were not able to travel a long distance to attend a church. They are a bit like Creche figures, which were created by the Italians.

The dolls were brought to Latin America and America during the Colonial age and used to help convert the Native Americans to Catholicism. The people who create the Santos dolls are called Santeros or Saint Maker. Not a bad occupation I’d say. Who wouldn’t want to be a maker of saints?

Wooden base-skirt with beads

Santos dolls usually held flowers, bibles, jewelry or bird nests in their bases and dangling from the neck and arms. Sometimes they are left unadorned, allowing for a statement to be made.

Full length shot

I hand sculpted my original santos in stoneware clay, including arms, torso and head. I added the sparkle of faceted beads and texture to her torso. Beaded hinges hold her arms in place. She is 24” tall and is priced at $245. Benedetta can be seen at my shop. You can also e-mail me to make arrangement to purchase. I take all major credit cards and Paypal. Shipping prices will vary with location but I can ship anywhere in the world.

I’m really happy with the way she turned out. She is the first in my Santos series. Even though she is not an original created by the Santeros of old, she is a new original, not a reproduction.

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29 comments:

  1. She's beautiful. You are so very talented.
    Mary

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  2. So gorgeous! I love her face and the colors!

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  3. Wonderful work and am sure you had the greatest joy in the making of it. x

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  4. She is a most magnificent piece of work. I find her so intriguing.

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  5. What a lovely lesson - and she's such a beauty!

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  6. She's stunning! Thanks for the history lesson too, I thought it was pretty interesting.

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  7. I love Santos and have wanted one for awhile - Cheryl your Benedetta is wonderful! Absolutely fantastic Santos! You should be very pleased with how she turned out!

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  8. As all of your work, she is beautiful.
    Unique in every way. Another job very well done.

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  9. Cheryl, I am in awe. I know a tiny little bit about these dolls and you've honored the tradition perfectly.
    You really are a master! She is so beautiful!

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  10. Whoa, she is AMAZING! I especially enjoyed the story behind Santos dolls and of course, her face as with all your sculptures is incredibly expressive. You always have the best ideas!

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  11. I've never heard of them before I'm afraid to say, but your creation is amazing Cheryl - she's so beautiful and looks almost ethereal in the setting you've photographed her in - with the sunlight behind her. Amazing work as usual and such a pleasure to look at xx

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  12. I love her..I can't wait to see more

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  13. Fabulous!This is really interesting Cheryl, I've seen these dolls before but did not know much about their history. I shall go and investigate more now. I'm sure Bernedetta will be snapped up quickly!x

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  14. Absolutely fabulous piece!
    My favorite!!!!!

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  15. I-AM-BLOWN-AWAY!!!
    Completely!
    I always wanted a Santos caged doll. For a long time. Yours is sooo fabulous!!!
    WOW! I think I am speechless...
    ♥♥♥

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  16. She is awesome, Cheryl. I love this.

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  17. Trish says:
    Benedetta is beautiful and so saintly looking. Now you are a saint maker. WOW! lol

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  18. i'm delighted that you are hooked...she is so BEAUTIFUL, her face and expression are something WONDERFUL!

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  19. ooh have just realised the beautiful tiles behind this awesome art doll! :) Hope your having an amazing week!

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  20. She is lovely. i did not visit you in ages......

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  21. Cheryl thanks for your sweet comment, love your Benedetta she looks gorgeous with her wooden base-skirt, you are so talented and great for making eyes very special.
    Hugs Anni

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  22. Sure would love to see your bathroom. I bet it looks awesome! I've tried typing in some names above search box but can't find the post. I will wait with excitement to see though's tiles! Hope your having an awesome week :)

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  23. Cheryl,
    Thank you for the information on Santos. Very interesting stuff. Have a happy thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for this year!

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  24. Hi Cheryl, Sorry its been awhile since I've been over. Gosh where does the time go? I see you've been at it again creating lovely Art. I even got a bit of a history lesson too. Awesome Santros doll. looking forward to seeing more!
    hugs Lynn

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  25. She's gorgeous! You are very creative. Well done.

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  26. I LOVE santos! I really want one. Might have to remind my mom that I want one and she just happens to be buddies with someone who makes them...I'm just sayin...

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  27. Cheryl, I just discovered your work and your sculptures are really wonderful and you are so beautiful colors.
    FLO
    http://lartenciel.blogspot.com/

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