This pair of carved wooden figures of Joseph and Mary represents the Spanish tradition of the Santo—a form of devotional folk art depicting saints, angels, or other sacred figures. Originating in Spain and carried throughout its former colonies, including the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and much of Latin America, Santos served as intimate expressions of faith in both churches and private homes.

These examples are santos de vestir (“saints to be dressed”), designed with articulated limbs so they could be clothed in fabric garments for worship or display. Each figure is carved with a calm, devotional expression and fitted with original glass eyes (a sign of quality). The gesso hands are finely modeled, and remnants of the original polychrome remain visible beneath a softly aged patina. The jointed arms and legs are connected with wooden pegs—an identifying feature of mid-19th-century craftsmanship. They are sold together as a pair.