Santos in Oaxaca's Ancient ChurchesA study of santos in 16th-century and other churches in Oaxaca, Mexico
By Claire and Richard Stracke Funded by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. In San Pablo Huitzo: Christ |
St. Mary Magdalene |
Saint Mary Magdalene: The figure is bald under the dark brown wig, which is old and has been recut and restyled. The right hand hangs loosely next to the body. The fingers of the left hand have been broken off and the chalice has been tied on. The cover of the chalice is surmounted by a cross. The statue is dressed in blue and white. The face looks straight ahead, not to the side as is common with Magdalenas. Local Name: La Santa Magdalena. Basis for Identification: Chalice in extended left hand, halo. Other characteristics: Blue robe, white cape. Site: Church of San Pablo Huitzo. Location: Left side of the altar in the first bay in the north wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Frame construction. Face and hands are wood, gesso, paint. Polyester garments. Eyes: painted. Hair: wig. Size: Life size. Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Achiutla, Coixtlahuaca, Ejutla, Ocotlán, Tamazulapan, Teotitlán, Teposcolula. External Links: Next: In
the center of this altar, a statue of Our Lady of
Sorrows (Soledad). Introduction to San Pablo Huitzo Note: On
this
site,
references to the cardinal directions always assume
that the main altar is at the east end of the church,
the narthex or entry area at the west end, and the two
walls
of the nave on the
north and south. (The
nave is the long central section.)
Actual orientations may differ. The photo shown here is licensed under the
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conditions: first, that you attribute it to the
photographers, Claire and Richard Stracke, without
implying any approval of your work on their part;
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