From pre-historic times, humankind has been inspired by their spiritual beliefs in order to create even the most elementary forms of art.  In the many countries and cultures of Latin American and the Caribbean, ancient Indian beliefs, African religions, and  Christianity have been the focal theme of most art forms.   The spirituality felt by the artists is then shared and with the admirer.

In the 21st Century, in the midst of great technological advancement, there seems to be a resurgence in spirituality.  Spirituality takes many forms:  praying, meditation, naturalistic fervor, or traditional religious rituals from the many sects and religious around the world.  At El Coqui Galleries we are researching and collecting fine pieces of art that are either directly or indirectly related to spirituality.  

At the same time, we are researching and collecting pieces that will help you celebrate the diversity and variety of cultural celebrations in the Latin and Caribbean regions.  Our first example of religious art are wood carvings from Puerto Rico of Saints and Nativity related themes.  

Our collection will expand shortly.   Also, please visit us regularly for art related to specific Holiday celebrations:   Christmas, Dia de Los Muertos, and others.

Domingo Orta: 

A native of Puerto Rico, Don Domingo is a master wood carver since 1956, when the Puerto Rican Cultural Institute recognized him as a master artisan. He started his work by making native string musical instruments, the Cuatro, a fine 4-string guitar authentic to Puerto Rico. The celebrated historian, Don Ricardo Alegria, suggested to Don Domingo to branch out into carving sculptures. One day, Don Domingo, a devout Catholic, got inspired as he looked at a little statue of the Monserrat Virgin. From that moment on he taught himself to carve Saints and his now famous Nativity Scenes with The Three Wise Men. He has also taught his children the art of fine carving and all six of them are carvers in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He has won awards at several art fairs: Puerto Rican Institute, Barcadi Art Fair, Biannual Artisan Fair.

Don Domingo is an inspired artist. He does not make drawings of his carvings beforehand. From a single piece of native Puerto Rican cedar wood, he carves out the preliminary sketch of the statue. Using his imagination and inspiration at the moment, he carefully carves the detailed image and proceeds to paint it. Don Domingo is a true master artisan; his pieces are full of detail, color and tradition. This beautiful piece is hand-carved in a single piece of wood, each horse, each king and their gifts. A wonderful decoration piece for the Holiday Season and all year round!

The Three Wise Men, Holiday Gift price $165

Carved Saints

Luis Raul Nieves Roman, Pichillo

Sacred Heart Cross, $390	Virgen de la Monserrate, custom order
Jesus Resurrected, custom order	The Last Supper, custom order

Craftsman and 'santero' (Saint Carver) born in Dorado Puerto Rico, Pichilo is one of the most recognized saint carvers on the island.  He was Apprentice to Masters Adrian Miguel Daniel Sanchez and Luis Gonzalez Gonzalez.   In 1979 he obtaine dhisBA in painting (Magna Cum Laude) with majors inEducation and Painting in the Schools of Plastic Arts of the institute of Puerto Rican culture.  In 1191 he was awareded the Master of Excellence Prize.  He has represented Puerto Rico in international events in the United States and Mexico.  A sample of his collection belongs to the famed Museo de Arte de Ponce.  A jury with representation from UNESCO wareded him the Best Puerto Rican Artist prize.  In 2002 the Smithsonian Center for Material Research and Education presented his work and sponsored him to a workshop in New Mexico.  

Pichilo is best known for his religious scenes, which seem animated and at the same time have playful air.  He a master of color, and flora and fauna.  His preference for group scenes instead of instividual saint carvings allows him to dramatize the action with charactes, colors, situation and structures that are not permissible within the strict confines of the Saint Carving tradition.  He recently was the guest of the famed The Field Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and has received many awards throughout his career.

We are pleased to offer his works.  Pieces without a price mean that these are custom-works that need to be ordered separately by email or by phone.  His works are great collector's items and we are pleased to represent him in the U.S.

Saint Carvings 

by Lourdes Aquino

A prodigious carver from the Martinez Aquino family from Anasco, Puerto Rico, Lourdes have been carving Saints for many years.  Following are her interpretations of the Virgins and El Nino Jesus.

Delivery approximately 3 weeks.

Also for religious themes of Haitian Voodoo and Cuban Santeria, please browse through our Haitian art and Original Prints exhibits.  For Indian themes, please visit our Huichol carvings and textiles pages.

FOR HER

At El Coqui Galleries we have researched and found fine treasures to make your favorite person feel special during this Holiday Season.  Directly from Toledo, Spain we offer the exquisite and ancient art of Damascene with 24 carat gold inlaid designs in earrings, brooches, bracelets and decorative plates.

Damascene Aretes $45	Moorish Pendant $85	Quixote Plate $95

 More Damascene Jewelry

From a master silversmith and stone artist in the mountains of Ecuador,  we bring you high quality,  hand-made silver jewelry original from Joaquin Tinta, master designers from Taxco, Mexico and more handcrafted custom designed fine jewelry.  

Multistones, $52	Ventana Pendant, $180	Labradorita Elegante, $250 set

More fine silver Jewelry

FOR HIM

Elegant Damascene Cuff Links, $65	Brave and fiery Huichol beaded Jaguar head	Fine and whimsical  Oaxacan Iguana carvings.

 FOR THE HOME

Party with our decorative and functional Tigua hand-painted trays; or get  the most comfortable and relaxing chair hammock made from the original   Taino Indians traditional weaving...a perfect gift for the boat, patio or  sunroom.  Or enjoy the whimsical magic of Oaxacan carvings, a popular collector's item for men and woman alike.

El Coqui Mosaic, by Dori H2008-PR,$90	El Picaflor Mosaic by Dori, H2009-PR, $90	Chair Hammock, $70
Hand-painted Tigua Tray, Wedding Ceremony $90	Fine Oaxacan Carving, Tigrito $210	Gallos de Pelea, Amate Painting $63

Indian Nativity Set, $79	Oaxacan Nativity Set, $150

If you like the exotic, colorful and vibrant, give the Gift of Artistry with the original and inspired,  Huichol beaded art or Oaxacan carvings from Mexico, and more unique artistic gifts from El Coqui Galleries...and start your collection of fine Latin and Caribbean art and artesanias.

 More Tigua carvings, Huichol beaded art and Oaxacan Carvings  Great artistic, unique gifts from best artists and artisans.  Do not forget to browse through our artists exhibits of sculptures, prints, masks and paintings..

Corporate gifts for conferences and events available, please call 1-877-610-4920, or 847-733-9510. 

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