Black Madonna Retablo Ornament

The retablo, or ʻboard behind the altarʼ, was created in New Mexico during the 1800s in response to the lack of Bibles and Icons being sent from the church in Rome. The Santero (saint maker) painted retablos using pigment collected and ground from the local surroundings. The boards were hand-hewn usually of ponderosa pine with tin. This tradition continues today with the same authentic methods.

Maker Lynn Garlick began carving, painting, and producing her retablos in 1993. Lynn paints her original retablo designs on traditional pine boards. She carefully carves and hand paints each piece, before finishing it with a polyurethane coating.

This retablo in ornament form showcases a stunning Black Madonna holding baby Jesus, with a meaningful description and prayer on the reverse, making it a meaningful addition to any ornament collection.

Measures 2.5" x 5.625"
Made in Taos, New Mexico