Retablos are fascinating pieces of Peruvian folk art. Often, retablos are used to depict various aspects of both religious and modern daily life. Our series of retablos also involve the famous Day of The Dead festival and all of the characters in the scenes are depicted as skeletons.

The Art of Storytelling

The retablo as an art form evolved from similar Catholic artefacts that were used by priests to convert the indigenous people to Christianity. Often featuring figures of Mary and various important saints, the original retablos could be moved around the country and used as storytelling tools. These boxes were well received in the Andean world and they continued to evolve over time.

In the 1940s, retablo making went through something of a renaissance. Around this time there was a renewed interest in the affirmation and protection of indigenous identity in Peru as well as the associated arts and traditions. In addition to the traditional religious designs, contemporary motifs are now very common including scenes of military engagements, various shopfronts and doctor’s offices.

A Secret Craft

Day of the Dead styles are also now very popular.  Andean folk artists are careful to restrict the transmission of the secret techniques involved in retablo making with only a few apprentices chosen for each workshop. Long training periods are necessary for disciples to fully master all the skills.

Originally the figures were made from a malleable mixture of ground potato and plaster. This material is now seldom used because of how fragile the final dried product is. Instead, the artisans of today use clay which gives the figures greater strength and durability.

The boxes themselves are made from plywood and are carefully hand-painted with non-toxic paint. Originally the artform was based in Ayacucho but has now increasingly moved to the capital Lima. Two or three people, usually members of the same family, will work in each workshop with each person specialized in one aspect of production such as painting, moulding or finishing.