Religious Figures of Corn Pulp

Religious figures of corn pulp are an important legacy of the Pátzcuaro Lake region indigenous people (Purépechas), partly because this technique, which was developed by the prehispanic Purépechas, was unique in the entire world.  Museums around the world prize these figures among their collections.

For our guests at Hotel Mansion Iturbe who love art and culture, visiting our temples where these extraordinary religious sculptures are located is a memorable experience.

Señor de la Tercera Orden in Pátzcuaro during the Easter Season

These figures were created during the 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th centuries, mainly in Pátzcuaro and Tzintzuntzan.

The Spanish evangelists were fascinated by this unknown technique and many of the figures were taken back to Spain, where they were widely recognized for their level of detail, as well as the astonishing lightness of the material.

Religious Figure of Corn Purp in Tocuaro, Michoacán

There was an artistic and religious union between the two worlds, whereby the indigenous technique was applied to create religious sculptures that were used for the very evangelization of the indigenous.

 

Religious Figure of Corn Pulp in Erongaricuaro

Among the corn pulp Christs that were brought to Spain during this period, we find the Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre Torrijos in Toledo, and religious sculptures of corn pulp in the chapels of the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales in Madrid, which form part of the Spanish historical heritage.

In Michoacán, we find the famous Virgen de la Salud inthe Basilica in Pátzcuaro, El Señor de la Sacristía in the Cathedral in Morelia, El Señor de Araró, El Señor de los Milagros, which was originally in San Juan Parangaricutiro near the Paricutín volcano, but was moved to San Juan Nuevo during the eruption of the volcano.

Our Lady of Health at the Basilica in Pátzcuaro

If you like Mexican colonial art, visit Pátzcuaro, visit the communities of the Lake Region and appreciate the different religious sculptures that are located in their temples.

Jarácuaro has a fine collection in its temple.

Religious Figures of Corn Pulp in Jaracuaro

In Tzintzuntzan, due to its importance in the elaboration of sculptures of corn pulp in colonial times, they have a "Cemetery of Christs," where fragments of corn pulp Christs from the colonial era are proudly guarded by the inhabitants.  During your visit to this Pueblo Mágico, be sure to visit the Ex Convento Franciscano de Santa Ana, considered a jewel of colonial architecture in Mexico.

The Museo de Arte Colonial in Morelia has an outstanding collection of Christs of corn pulp. There you will find around 100 religious sculptures of this material, as well as other artifacts from the colonial period.

Religious Figures of Corn Pulp made by Michoacan Artists

We can find other such figures made in and around Pátzcuaro in other areas of the country. Jalisco:  La Virgen de Zapopan and La Virgen de San Juan de los Lagos.  Guadalajara:  El Señor de las Aguas in the Cathedral.  Tuxpan:  El Señor del Perdón.

In the Cathedral in Mexico City, we find El Señor del Veneno y el Señor del Cacao.

In Pátzcuaro, in La Casa de Los Once Patios, visit the workshop of Mario Agustin Gaspar and his spouse Beatriz Ortega.  These Michoacán artisans still work with this technique. Their works have found their way into some pretty exclusive venues, including the Vatican, with a Nacimiento Monumental which was given to the Pope Benedict XVI during the Mexican Christmas at the Vatican in 2012.

Our Lady of Health of Pátzcuaro made of Corn Pulp

In Tupátaro, visit the Templo de Santiago Apóstol, with its own collection of corn pulp figures. You can also visit the Taller de Rescate de la Técnica y Oficio de la Pasta de Caña.  The docent is always glad to provide more information.

Temple of Santiago Apostol in Tupataro, Michoacan

Expand your knowledge of Mexican colonial art and discover this important contribution of the Purépecha culture to religious art in Mexico. Design your tour from Hotel Mansión Iturbe with the support of experts and enjoy an enriching and unforgettable experience.

*Text and pictures property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.

We invite you to visit our blog, you will find information about Pátzcuaro and its surroundings that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.

Here are some post that we suggest you:

La Relación de Michoacán – or “Chronicle of Michoacán” – is an exhaustive literary work about the Purépecha people and their history.

Juan O’Gorman’s Mural in Pátzcuaro

Visit the Recently Remodeled National Copper Museum

Hotel Mansión Iturbe

Portal Morelos 59

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

61600 Pátzcuaro, Mich.

México


For more information about our Hotel in Patzcuaro

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