ADVENT CALENDAR 2025

December 12

NEW MEXICAN SANTOS NATIVITY

Leonardo Salazar
New Mexico, USA
Aspen wood
2019

Leonardo Salazar is recognized as one of New Mexico’s finest santeros (carvers of saints). This New Mexican folk tradition began with the early settlers of the region, who carved and painted religious images remembered from their homelands.

According to the artist, “My father, Leo G. Salazar, whose work is in the Smithsonian Institution, taught me and my brothers how to carve early in our lives.” Salazar allows the pieces of wood, which he collects locally, to guide his work: “I look at the wood and it speaks to me. Then the piece unfolds itself in front of my eyes.” The base of this Nativity was made from an old door, which still retains part of its latch.

Glencairn Museum’s World Nativities exhibition runs from November 28, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Visit us at Follow the Star: A 2025 Advent Calendar.