Vintage New Mexican Punched Tin Retablo of San Rafael

When you live in Santa Fe, Hispanic art surrounds you. Much of it, like this tin retablo is devotional folk art. 

Martha Struever dedicated an entire room in her home to Spanish artwork, but this San Rafael retablo only appeared at Christmas on her tree.

An original piece handmade by a New Mexico artist of decorated tin, the retablo honors San Rafael, whose name means "God Heals." He's the patron saint of travelers, healing, happy meetings, marriage doctors, nurses and other medical workers.

The ornament is signed "Martin" and was made in 1993. It measures 5" x 3".