Los Reyes Magos

Caban group, Los Reyes Magos, ca. 1875-1900, carved and painted wood with metal and string, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.31
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
Free to use

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
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood with metal and string
Classifications
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.

Audio

Stop 172: Los Reyes Magos

Los Reyes Magos
about 1875-1900, carved and painted wood with metal and string

CABAN GROUP

Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -:-
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected

      More Artworks from the Collection

      Browse All Artworks
      Caban group, La Mano Poderosa, ca. 1875-1925, carved and painted wood with string and metal, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.34
      La Mano Poderosa
      Artist
      Attributed to Caban group
      Dateca. 1875-1925
      carved and painted wood with string and metal
      On view
      Lares group, La Virgen y el Nino, ca. 1875-1900, carved and painted wood, metal, and string, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.44
      La Virgen y el Nino
      Artist
      Dateca. 1875-1900
      carved and painted wood, metal, and string
      On view