Today, a handful of excellent santeros across New Mexico still make santos in traditional ways. The craft lies in the hands of a few families who have ensured that the historical techniques and the spirit of the tradition are passed to the next generation. Most of these artisans work from home studios. The most authentic still use ponderosa pine or cottonwood roots, varnish made from the sap of the piñon tree, and brightly colored pigments mixed from local plants and minerals.
Hunting for authentic New Mexican santos means a foray into some of the most colorful corners of the American Southwest, from artisan studios to festivals and museums. In New Mexico, several museums boast impressive santos collections, including the Harwood Museum and the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art in Santa Fe. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Taylor Museum displays a strong collection of historical New Mexican santos. Any of these collections will offer you an appreciation for the styles and subjects of this regional craft.
Purchasing an authentic New Mexican santo can prove tricky, as many shops mix locally made ones alongside lower priced santos imported from Central and South America. Though they may be authentic and of quality, these santos represent traditions distinct from the New Mexican one. Quality antique santos have become scarcer and more expensive in recent years. Collectors compete vigorously for quality pieces made during the colonial period prior to New Mexico's statehood in 1912. Rare or well-preserved antique bultos and retablos command the highest prices at auctions and galleries.
The best bet is purchasing a santo made by a living santero, usually a great value considering their heritage and uniqueness. The Spanish Market, held annually in July and December in Santa Fe, is an excellent way to encounter living santeros and their work. During the rest of the year, make an appointment to visit a home studio, or make a detour to the village of Cordova, between Taos and Santa Fe, which boasts a small yet prolific community of santeros. Be sure to ask questions. Does the saint or scene have local significance? What kind of wood and pigments were used? If you are buying a bulto, are the arms detachable? Buy directly from the artisan in their studio or at the markets, and you'll come face to face with one of the America's most vibrant living traditions, as colorful as it is authentic.
