Los Reyes Magos

Caban group, active second quarter of 19th century-first half of 20th century

1900

Medium: carved and painted wood with metal and string
Genre: Sculpture
Museum: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC, US

Styles

Sculpture

Tags

religionBible, N.T.MagiHorsemen and horsewomen

About

The tradition of venerating the Magi, or Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings), in Puerto Rico originated in medieval Europe, where the figures were included in Nativity scenes. Puerto Ricans celebrate Three Kings Day on January 6, when families get together and children receive gifts from Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. Many santeros, who carve wooden images of saints, create sculptures of the kings, even though they are not technically viewed as saints. Puerto Rican artists usually depict the wise men riding horses, rather than camels, and the black king Melchior is almost always shown on a white horse.

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