San Blas religious imagery: saints, Niño Manuelito figures and retablos

San Blas is known as Cusco's artisans' quarter, and its most characteristic art is religious imagery: the making of figures of saints, virgins, angels and the Christ Child. The tradition was born in colonial times, when churches needed images for altars and processions, and it has been passed down through generations in family workshops. Wandering the neighbourhood's steep streets and peeking into these workshops is one of the loveliest experiences in Cusco. This guide explains the technique, the styles and how to buy a piece.

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Origins of Cusco imagery

After the conquest, Indigenous and mestizo artists learned European sculpture and painting techniques but adapted them with their own materials and sensibility. That gave rise to the Cusco School, famous for its paintings, and an equally rich sculptural tradition. Processional images had to be light enough to carry through the streets, which explains one of the most characteristic techniques.

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The technique: maguey, cloth and plaster

Many Cusco images have a body built on a frame of maguey (agave stalk), a very light wood, covered with glued cloth and plaster paste. Details are then modelled, painted in bright colours and gilded. Hands and faces are sometimes carved in wood, and eyes may be glass. The result is a light, expressive and very durable figure, ideal for processions.

The Mendívil family

San Blas's most famous imaginero was Hilario Mendívil, whose figures are instantly recognisable by their elongated necks, serene faces and gilded, colourful robes. According to family tradition, the style was inspired by the llamas he saw as a child during fiestas. His descendants keep the workshop and tradition going, and on the small San Blas square there's a museum-workshop devoted to his work, with virgins, archangels and procession scenes. Check opening times before you go.

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Niño Manuelito

Niño Manuelito is Cusco's version of the Christ Child, often seated with a thorn in his foot, or dressed in Andean clothes. He's a much-loved figure: many families have one at home and dress him in different outfits depending on the season. At Christmas, the Santurantikuy fair in the Plaza de Armas is the big moment to buy figures, nativity scenes and clothes for the Niño.

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Retablos and boxes

Retablos are wooden boxes with doors that open to reveal miniature scenes: nativities, fiestas, markets or everyday life. Although the best-known tradition is from Ayacucho, Cusco has many workshops and shops selling them. They're an original, colourful souvenir that's easy to carry if small.

How and where to buy

• San Blas workshops: the best option for buying from the artist. Many workshops leave their doors open so you can see work in progress.
• Streets to explore: the Cuesta de San Blas, Calle Hatun Rumiyoc, Tandapata and Carmen Alto are full of workshops and galleries.
• Price: a signed piece can be expensive because of the hours of work; small or mass-produced figures are more affordable.
• Ask about the technique: artisans are usually happy to explain how they make their pieces.
• Transport: ask for good wrapping; plaster pieces are delicate.

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A route through the neighbourhood

Start on Calle Hatun Rumiyoc, by the twelve-angled stone, and climb the Cuesta de San Blas to the square. Visit the San Blas church, famous for its carved wooden pulpit, a masterpiece of Cusco Baroque. Then stroll along Tandapata and the surrounding alleys, stepping into whichever workshops catch your eye. Finish at one of the neighbourhood's viewpoints to see Cusco from above.

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Respect and photos

Many workshops are also the artisan's home. Ask before entering or taking photos, and remember there's no obligation to buy, but a word of thanks is always appreciated. If you buy a signed piece, ask the artisan to sign it or give you a card with their name and workshop: besides being a nice memento, it helps show customs it's a contemporary work and not an antique if you're asked.

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).