*This piece can only be shipped to domestic Australian addresses*
This remarkable Santos figure was formerly part of a collection of the National Museum of the Philippines, Manila. This figure is one of the best examples we have seen of santos figures from the late 18th to mid 19th century during the Spanish colonial period.
Believed to be depicting Saint Francis, the figure’s head is carved from ivory and as can be seen, its tonsure shows wear from penitents rubbing it for good luck. Similarly its carved hands which were likely also ivory were long ago stolen as good luck charms. These blemishes form part of its history and add historical context, not to mention richness of depth. Its body is cleverly carved from timber and intricately painted to depict the draped and belted ecclesiastical robes unique to santos figures. Quite literally museum worthy, this piece was deaccessioned in 1980.
