Los Reyes Magos

Caban group, Los Reyes Magos, ca. 1875-1900, carved and painted wood with metal and string, 8 ¹⁄₈ x 11 ⁷⁄₈ x 6 in. (20.7 x 30.3 x 15.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.31

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Artwork Details

Title: Los Reyes Magos
Artist: Caban group
Date: ca. 1875-1900
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 8 ¹⁄₈ x 11 ⁷⁄₈ x 6 in. (20.7 x 30.3 x 15.3 cm.)
Credit Line: Teodoro Vidal Collection
Mediums: metal
wood
string
Mediums Description: carved and painted wood with metal and string
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Religion — New Testament — Magi
Equestrian
Object Number: 1996.91.31
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.91.31

Artwork Description

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.