One of the great strengths of the collection is the large number of everyday items - the material culture of colonial New Mexico. Cultural change, adaptation to the physical environment, technological innovation, and cultural continuity can be studied in light of the implements made or used by New Mexicans.

Bultos are three-dimensional carved wooden figures. Made primarily of cottonwood and painted with organic pigments, were also used in much the same contexts as the retablos. Also exclusively religious in subject matter, the bultos range from small, easily transportable figures for use in homes to life-size figures and death carts used for Holy Week and feast day processions and as imagery in churches.

Retablos are paintings on wood panels, usually painted with organic pigments on a pine panel, range from small, pocket-sized plaques of individual saints to full-size altar screens with multiple images intended for use in community churches. Always religious subjects, these paintings were used in both homes and churches throughout the Spanish villages of New Mexico. These paintings, together with the bultos (sculptures), comprise the majority of the collection.

Straw and corn husks were cut into geometric and floral forms and used to decorate wooden objects, such as crosses and boxes. Known as paja encrustada, this technique which simulated wood inlay, was probably introduced to New Mexico by the Franciscans.

The LAS Internship is intended for a female student who is completing
advanced undergraduate course work, currently enrolled in graduate school, or who plans graduate work in art history, American, Chicano/Latino, or Latin American studies, folklore, anthropology or museum studies. The next application deadline will be in 2009, more about the LAS Intern Program»