The work of Carlos Barela represents the continuing tradition of wood carving in New Mexico. In the early days of settlement of the region, churches were built by the local people, but there was often no money or opportunity to purchase Santos. People in remote areas carved their own Santos to decorate the churches and watch over their homes. As the grandson of Patrocino Barela , Carlos has been instrumental in continuing this tradition in Northern New Mexico. Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Carlos carves his pieces from a single piece of Juniper wood using only hand tools.

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