This Santos doll ("Virgin Cap I Pota") is representing the Immaculate Virgin with her feet resting on a cluster of clouds around an orb, which refer to the heavenly Glory. A serpent is coiled between them, symbolising the sin over which Mary triumphs.
Originally started as copies of 17th century carvings by priests, Santos dolls take their name from the Spanish word for Saint, and are also known as Santons (French) and Santibelli (Italian).
In Europe, small villages often did not have a priest present, and it wasn’t always possible to travel to a church. So Santos were created to use for in-home altars.
• 18cmW x 10cmD x 50cmH
