Santisima Trinidad ( Holy Trinity) hand carved from wood and polychrome( no restoration) by Carmelo Soto (1906-2004) from the town of Lares, Puerto Rico.
Don Carmelo's work is primitive in style. He learned his trade by studying other santos that were carved before his time.
He was a very devout catholic. He had a great sense of humor, all of his fellow carvers as well as collectors loved him.
We will always miss his stories about Puerto Rico when he was a young man and got married, very difficult times to our people.
He carved for many years up to a few months before his death.
This piece is 10" in height. Acquired directly from the artist. Don Carmelo normally would not signed his pieces. Has a label underneath the base with his name and address.
Santo carving in Puerto Rico has a tradition for over 4 centuries originating as part of the Catholic evangelization by the Spanish friars who came to the island.