Religion

One hallmark of the American experience captured in the Museum's collections is the nation's broad diversity of religious faiths. Artifacts range from Thomas Jefferson's Bible to a huge "Sunstone" sculpture carved for a Mormon temple in Illinois in 1844 to a household shrine from the home of a Pueblo Indian in the 1990s. Furniture, musical instruments, clothing, cooking ware, and thousands of prints and figures in the collections have all played roles in the religious lives of Americans. The most comprehensive collections include artifacts from Jewish and Christian European Americans, Catholic Latinos, Protestant Arab Americans, Buddhist and Christian Asian Pacific Americans, and Protestant African Americans. One notable group is the Vidal Collection of carved figures known as santos and other folk religious material from the practice of Santeria in Puerto Rico.

date made
1969
maker
Erwitt, Elliott
ID Number
PG.72.13.50
catalog number
72.13.50
accession number
2001.0310
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1899
ID Number
CL.201487b
accession number
35201
catalog number
201487b
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1899
ID Number
CL.201487a
accession number
35201
catalog number
201487a
Las Tres Marías, the Three Maries, are the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Cleofas. They are often depicted at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ or at his tomb.
Description
Las Tres Marías, the Three Maries, are the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Cleofas. They are often depicted at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ or at his tomb. But, a popular Puerto Rican story relates that the Three Kings were suitors of the Three Marys, whom they accompanied to local festivities. This radical departure from scripture is an example of the distinctive religious traditions developed over the centuries by rural Puerto Ricans.
Description (Spanish)
Las Tres Marías son la Virgen María, María Magdalena y María de Cleofás. Por lo general se las representa en la escena de la crucifixión de Jesús o ante su tumba. Sin embargo, una historia popular de Puerto Rico cuenta que los Reyes Magos eran pretendientes de las Tres Marías, a quienes acompañaban durante las festividades del lugar. Este alejamiento radical de las escrituras es un ejemplo de las tradiciones religiosas distintivas que fueron surgiendo en las áreas rurales de Puerto Rico a través de los siglos.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th-20th century
maker
Garcia, Ramon
ID Number
1997.0097.0731
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0731
Based on lore and church documents, this figure illustrates the Miracle of Hormigueros. In 1599, Our Lady of Montserrat appeared to Gerardo González, a farmer near Hormigueros in southwestern Puerto Rico. Attacked by a bull, González invoked the name of the Virgin.
Description
Based on lore and church documents, this figure illustrates the Miracle of Hormigueros. In 1599, Our Lady of Montserrat appeared to Gerardo González, a farmer near Hormigueros in southwestern Puerto Rico. Attacked by a bull, González invoked the name of the Virgin. Immediately, the beast fell, its legs broken and its forehead touching the ground as if in prayer. In gratitude, González built and dedicated a church to Our Lady of Montserrat. This figure dates from the beginning of the 19th century.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura describe el Milagro de Hormigueros basándose en la tradición y documentación de la iglesia. En 1599 la Virgen de Montserrate se le apareció a Gerardo González, un granjero, cerca de Hormigueros, en el suroeste de Puerto Rico. Se cuenta que González fue atacado por un toro e invocó el nombre de la Virgen, luego de lo cual la bestia se desplomó de inmediato con las patas quebradas y la frente apoyada en el suelo como en posición de plegaria. En agradecimiento, González construyó una iglesia y se la dedicó a la Virgen de Montserrate. Esta figura data de principios del siglo XIX.
Date made
late 18th or early 19th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0721
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0721
This especially fine figure of St. Raphael the Archangel, was carved in the 18th century.
Description
This especially fine figure of St. Raphael the Archangel, was carved in the 18th century. Rafael is one of several archangels (high-ranking angels) who exist in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions.
Description (Spanish)
Esta es una figura especialmente distinguida de San Rafael Arcángel, tallada en el siglo XVIII. Rafael es uno de varios arcángeles (ángeles de alta jerarquía) presentes en las tradiciones cristiana, judía y musulmana.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
18th century
depicted
Saint Raphael
ID Number
1997.0097.0785
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0785
This large santo depicts St. John Nepomucene, a 14th-century martyr who is considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of confession. His image was widely circulated by Jesuits throughout the Spanish empire in the 18th century.
Description
This large santo depicts St. John Nepomucene, a 14th-century martyr who is considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of confession. His image was widely circulated by Jesuits throughout the Spanish empire in the 18th century. The Church promoted devotion to this saint since it encouraged Catholics to confess their sins in the presence of a priest, a ritual known as the Sacrament of Penance. This santo is believed to be the work of Felipe de la Espada (1754–1818).
Description (Spanish)
Este santo de gran tamaño representa a San Juan Nepomuceno, un mártir del siglo XIV a quien los católicos consideran patrón de la santa confesión. Los jesuitas distribuyeron ampliamente su imagen a lo largo del imperio español durante el siglo XVIII. La iglesia fomentó la devoción a este santo por considerarlo un incentivo a que los católicos confesaran sus pecados en presencia de un sacerdote, ritual conocido como el Sacramento de la Penitencia. Se cree que este santo es obra de Felipe de la Espada (1754–1818).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1754-1818-06-18
maker
Espada, Felipe de la
ID Number
1997.0097.0901
catalog number
1997.0097.0901
accession number
1997.0097
The lore surrounding the Virgin of Monserrat originated in the jagged mountains of Catalonia, in northeastern Spain.
Description
The lore surrounding the Virgin of Monserrat originated in the jagged mountains of Catalonia, in northeastern Spain. In 1599, when she is said to have appeared to Gerardo González, a farmer, near Hormigueros, in southwestern Puerto Rico, she acquired a new set of traditions and imagery, unique to the island. Like many Madonnas, the Virgin of Monserrat is usually shown seated on a thrown, with her son Jesus Christ on her lap and a globe in one of her outstretched hands. In this example, the globe is missing. This figure shows the unique style of its creator, El Cachetón de Lares, (The Big-Cheeked Man from Lares), a name given to an anonymous santero by Teodoro Vidal, based on the large cheeks with which he endowed his carvings.
Description (Spanish)
La tradición en torno a la Virgen de Montserrate se originó en las montañas angulosas de Cataluña, en el noreste de España. Cuando en 1599, según se cuenta, se le apareció al granjero Gerardo González cerca de Hormigueros, en el suroeste de Puerto Rico, surgió un nuevo conjunto de tradiciones e imaginería exclusivo a la isla. Como tantas otras Madonas, la Virgen de Montserrate se representa sentada en un trono, con su hijo Jesús en el regazo y un globo en una de sus manos extendidas. En este ejemplo el globo está ausente. La figura exhibe un estilo único característico de su creador, El Cachetón de Lares, nombre que Teodoro Vidal le otorgó a un santero anónimo, basándose en las mejillas infladas con las que el artista dotaba a sus tallas.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 20th century
late 19th-early 20th century
maker
Cachetón de Lares
ID Number
1997.0097.0668
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0668
This wooden santo represents Santiago Matamoros, or St. James the Moor Slayer. It was made by the Ramos family from the town of Aguada.
Description
This wooden santo represents Santiago Matamoros, or St. James the Moor Slayer. It was made by the Ramos family from the town of Aguada. Santiago Matamoros is the patron saint of Spain and provided spiritual inspiration for the Christian re-conquest of Iberia and the subsequent expulsion of Jews and Muslims. The legacy of this conflict between Christians and Muslims in Spain was transplanted to the Americas.
Description (Spanish)
Este santo de madera que representa a Santiago Matamoros fue tallado por la familia Ramos en el pueblo de Aguada. Santiago Matamoros es el santo patrón de España y fuente de inspiración de la reconquista cristiana de Iberia, con la consiguiente expulsión de judíos y musulmanes. Este legado de conflicto entre cristianos y musulmanes se trasladó luego desde España a las colonias de América.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850-1904
maker
Ramos, Pepe
Ramos, Justina
Ramos, Jose
Ramos, Justina Torres de
ID Number
1997.0097.0650
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0650
Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi.
Description
Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi. The Bible doesn't specify their names or nationalities, only that they were guided by the star of Bethlehem to bring three gifts to honor the birth of Christ, the "King of the Jews." On the Catholic calendar, the Three Kings are celebrated on the 6th of January. On this day, Puerto Rican children traditionally expected their Christmas gifts, not from Santa Claus, but from the Three Kings. This set is from the town of Morovis, probably crafted by a member of the Rivera family around 1900.
Description (Spanish)
Entre los personajes más famosos en torno a las historia del nacimiento de Jesús se cuentan los Reyes Magos. La Biblia no especifica sus nombres o sus países de origen, solamente dice que los guió la estrella de Belén para llevar tres obsequios en honor al nacimiento de Cristo, el "Rey de los Judíos". En el calendario católico, el día de los Reyes Magos se celebra el 6 de enero, en cuya ocasión los niños de Puerto Rico esperan que los Reyes Magos, no Santa Claus, les traigan sus regalos de Navidad. Este conjunto de Reyes Magos proviene del pueblo de Morovis y probablemente su artesano haya sido un miembro de la familia Rivera al rededor de 1900.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th or early 20th century
maker
Rivera Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0538
catalog number
1997.0097.0538
accession number
1997.0097
This figure is probably the Virgen de la Soledad. The title of Our Lady of Solitude is attributed to her faith-filled vigil on Holy Saturday, as she awaited the resurrection of her son, Jesus Christ.Esta figura probablemente sea una representación de la Virgen de la Soledad.
Description
This figure is probably the Virgen de la Soledad. The title of Our Lady of Solitude is attributed to her faith-filled vigil on Holy Saturday, as she awaited the resurrection of her son, Jesus Christ.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura probablemente sea una representación de la Virgen de la Soledad. El título de Virgen de la Soledad se atribuye a la soledad colmada de fe que ella debió sobrellevar el sábado de gloria mientras aguardaba la resurrección de su hijo, Jesucristo.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
late 19th - 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0459
catalog number
1997.0097.0459
accession number
1997.0097
This wooden figure of La Virgen de la Candelaria was made by Genaro Rivera in the town of Morovis in the early 1900s. This saint is especially popular in Puerto Rican cultural traditions and folk religion.
Description
This wooden figure of La Virgen de la Candelaria was made by Genaro Rivera in the town of Morovis in the early 1900s. This saint is especially popular in Puerto Rican cultural traditions and folk religion. Many of the first settlers to Puerto Rico came originally from the Canary Islands, bringing with them their patron saint, the Virgen de la Candelaria, the Virgin of Candlemas.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura de madera de la Virgen de la Candelaria fue tallada por Genaro Rivera en el pueblo de Morovis al comienzo del siglo XX. Este es un santo particularmente popular dentro de la tradición cultural y religiosa puertorriqueña. La Virgen de la Candelaria era el santo patrono de muchos de los primeros colonos, oriundos de las Islas Canarias, que emigraron a Puerto Rico.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1861-12-10-1941-12-14
maker
Rivera Aviles, Genaro
Rivera Aviles, Genaro
ID Number
1997.0097.0544
catalog number
1997.0097.0544
accession number
1997.0097
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Late 19th - early 20th cenutry
depicted
Three Kings
ID Number
1997.0097.0511.003
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0511.003
This 20th century protective amulet takes the form of a sword. Amulets like this are worn with the belief that they ward off evil, danger, or bad luck, and provide strength and reassurance to the wearer.Amuleto de protección del siglo XX en forma de espada.
Description
This 20th century protective amulet takes the form of a sword. Amulets like this are worn with the belief that they ward off evil, danger, or bad luck, and provide strength and reassurance to the wearer.
Description (Spanish)
Amuleto de protección del siglo XX en forma de espada. Estos amuletos se portan bajo la creencia de que previenen contra el mal, el peligro o la mala suerte y de que otorgan fortaleza y convicción a quien las lleva.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0325
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0325
San Ramón Nonato is associated with secrets and silence. He is the patron saint of both victims of gossip and women in labor. Born in Catalonia in the early 13th century, his mother died in labor and he was surgically removed from her womb.
Description
San Ramón Nonato is associated with secrets and silence. He is the patron saint of both victims of gossip and women in labor. Born in Catalonia in the early 13th century, his mother died in labor and he was surgically removed from her womb. He was an ardent and persecuted Christian missionary in North Africa. To stop him from converting others to Christianity, his lips were pierced with a hot iron and clamped shut with a lock.
Description (Spanish)
San Ramón Nonato se relaciona con los secretos y el silencio. Él es el santo patrón de las víctimas de chismes y de las mujeres que dan a luz. Nació en Cataluña a principios
del siglo XIII; su madre falleció durante el alumbramiento y debió extraerse al niño del vientre materno mediante cirugía. Se convirtió en un ardiente proselitista cristiano, por lo cual fue activamente perseguido en el norte de África. A fin de evitar que siguiera convirtiendo a otros seguidores al cristianismo, se le perforaron los labios con un hierro candente y se le sujetaron con un candado.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
ID Number
1997.0097.0403
catalog number
1997.0097.0403
accession number
1997.0097
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Late 19th - early 20th cenutry
depicted
Three Kings
ID Number
1997.0097.0511.002
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0511.002
Attached to this rosary are nine milagros or "miracles" representing offerings to a particular saint. Rosaries are strings of beads used by Catholics to repeat prayers such as the "Hail Mary" and the "Our Father".
Description
Attached to this rosary are nine milagros or "miracles" representing offerings to a particular saint. Rosaries are strings of beads used by Catholics to repeat prayers such as the "Hail Mary" and the "Our Father". Combining a variety of local materials, the beads are made from seeds while the cross is inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Description (Spanish)
En este rosario se observan adheridos nueve milagros que representan ofrendas a un santo en particular. Los rosarios son collares de cuentas que usan los católicos para repetir plegarias tales como el Ave María y el Padre Nuestro. Para su confección se han utilizado distintos materiales locales, combinando cuentas de semillas junto a una cruz con incrustaciones de madre perla.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th or 20th century
n.d.
ID Number
1997.0097.1088.006
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1088.006
Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi.
Description
Among the most famous characters in the stories about the birth of Jesus are the Three Kings, also called the Three Wise Men, or Magi. The Bible doesn't specify their names or nationalities, only that they were guided by the star of Bethlehem to bring three gifts to honor the birth of Christ, the "King of the Jews." On the Catholic calendar, the Three Kings are celebrated on the 6th of January. On this day, Puerto Rican children traditionally expected their Christmas gifts, not from Santa Claus, but from the Three Kings. This set is from the town of Morovis, probably crafted by a member of the Rivera family around 1900.
Description (Spanish)
Entre los personajes más famosos de la historia en torno al nacimiento de Jesús se cuentan los Reyes Magos. La Biblia no especifica sus nombres o sus países de origen, solamente dice que los guió la estrella de Belén para llevar tres obsequios en honor al nacimiento de Cristo, el "Rey de los Judíos". Según el calendario católico, el día de los Reyes Magos se celebra el 6 de enero, en cuya oportunidad los niños de Puerto Rico esperan que los Reyes Magos, y no Santa Claus, les traigan sus regalos de Navidad. Este conjunto de Reyes Magos proviene del pueblo de Morovis y probablemente su artesano haya sido un miembro de la familia Rivera.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0511.001
catalog number
1997.0097.0511.001
accession number
1997.0097
Jesus Christ is represented in a variety of forms in Catholic art and devotion, one of the most familiar being the scene of his crucifixion. Almost as frequently, Christ is shown as an infant, often being held by his mother, the Virgin Mary.
Description
Jesus Christ is represented in a variety of forms in Catholic art and devotion, one of the most familiar being the scene of his crucifixion. Almost as frequently, Christ is shown as an infant, often being held by his mother, the Virgin Mary. This wooden figure of El Niño Jesús, the Christ Child, is from the late 19th century.
Description (Spanish)
Existen múltiples representaciones de Jesucristo en el arte y la devoción católicos, siendo una de las más familiares la escena de su crucifixión. Casi con la misma frecuencia se representa a Cristo cuando era niño, a menudo en brazos de su madre, la Virgen María. Esta figura de madera del Niño Jesús data de fines del siglo XIX.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Late 19th century
ID Number
1997.0097.0035
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0035
Ex-votos, called milagros in Spanish, are offerings to a particular saint for help in curing an ailment. Many milagros are in the shape of specific body parts. Usually made of silver or tin, they can also be found in wax, gold, and other metals.
Description
Ex-votos, called milagros in Spanish, are offerings to a particular saint for help in curing an ailment. Many milagros are in the shape of specific body parts. Usually made of silver or tin, they can also be found in wax, gold, and other metals. Santos and milagros in the Vidal Collection date from the 1700s.
Description (Spanish)
Los milagros son ofrendas hechas a un santo en particular para rogarle por la cura de alguna afección. Muchos milagros representan partes del cuerpo específicas. Por lo general se confeccionan de plata u hojalata, pero pueden hallarse también de cera, oro y otros metales. Los santos y los milagros de la Colección Vidal datan del siglo XVIII.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
20th century
ID Number
1997.0097.1006.001
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.1006.001
This figure of St.
Description
This figure of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ and husband of Mary, dates from the 19th century and was made by a member or associate of the Espada family in the town of San Germán.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura de San José, padre terrenal de Jesucristo y esposo de María, data del siglo XIX y ha sido tallada por un miembro o asociado de los Espada, familia que vivió y trabajó en el pueblo de San Germán.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
maker
Espada Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0741
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0741
This string rosary, made from a local plant fiber, has knots instead of beads to represent the prayer cycle. Rosaries are strings of beads used by Catholics to repeat prayers such as the Hail Mary and the Our Father.
Description
This string rosary, made from a local plant fiber, has knots instead of beads to represent the prayer cycle. Rosaries are strings of beads used by Catholics to repeat prayers such as the Hail Mary and the Our Father. Rosaries in the Vidal collection are made from a wide variety of materials such as silver, gold, horn, seed, wood, and coral.
Description (Spanish)
Este rosario, manufacturado con fibras de una planta local, tiene nudos en vez de cuentas para representar el ciclo de plegarias. Los rosarios son collares de cuentas que usan los católicos para repetir plegarias tales como el Ave María y el Padre Nuestro. Los rosarios de la Colección Vidal están confeccionados con una gran variedad de materiales, tales como plata, oro, cuerno, semillas, madera y coral.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
ID Number
1997.0097.1088.013
catalog number
1997.0097.1088.013
accession number
1997.0097
The ancient symbol of a protective hand is common to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This figure, the Mano Poderosa or All-Powerful Hand, from the late 1800s, is a specifically Catholic version of its Roman predecessor.
Description
The ancient symbol of a protective hand is common to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This figure, the Mano Poderosa or All-Powerful Hand, from the late 1800s, is a specifically Catholic version of its Roman predecessor. The five small figures atop the fingers are: Baby Jesus on the thumb; St. Joseph on the index finger; the Virgin Mary on the middle finger; St. Joachim (Mary's father) on the fourth finger; and St. Anne (Mary's mother) on the pinkie.
Description (Spanish)
El antiguo símbolo de una mano protectora es común a cristianos, judíos y musulmanes. Esta figura de la Mano Poderosa, del fin del siglo XIX, es una versión específicamente católica de su predecesora romana. Las cinco figuras pequeñas en el extremo superior de los dedos son: el niño Jesús en el pulgar; San José en el índice; la Virgen María en el mayor; San Joaquín (padre de María) en el anular y Santa Ana (madre de María) en el meñique.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th century
maker
Caban Group
Caban Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0225
catalog number
1997.0097.0225
accession number
1997.0097
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
depicted
Three Kings
maker
Rivera Aviles, Genaro
ID Number
1997.0097.0907
catalog number
1997.0097.0907
accession number
1997.0097

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.