| Peruvian Retablos are famous all over the world due | | | | America, where its history dates back hundred of |
| to their extreme sense of expressive beauty. | | | | years. Andean folk art became popular in part due to |
| Retablos originally consisted of small figurines of | | | | the indigenous art. Legend has it that it was the |
| Saints and notables constructed out of wood or tin. | | | | Christian Knights who used it during long journeys to |
| Later trends included the decorative boxes with | | | | worship. Instead of the altar, it was easy for them |
| highly painted open door revealing the setting of | | | | to use a portable box. The earlier Retablos and much |
| many important aspect of cultural life. The scene | | | | exotic ones are that of ivory and stone which are |
| included many figurines working or acting in a real life | | | | considered to have healing and magical powers. |
| setup. The boxes often depicts shrines and houses | | | | These are most often found in Peru and Bolivia |
| with a three dimensional stage, surrounded by | | | | where traditional folklore merged with the Christian |
| decorative floral designs on two outer doors. | | | | beliefs, to invent boxes of Saint Mark, the protector |
| History | | | | of the farmlands. |
| These Retablos are famous around Central and Latin | | | | |