What were the biggest obstacles for Santeros and what is the hardest thing today?
Avilés: The greatest hurdle was the lack of recognition for the value of our work. It was difficult to sell carvings, which only sold a peso or maybe half a peso. But, slowly, things changed. Though the old-timers did not realize it, the carvings became more valuable, to the point where even collectors would take advantage of the situation and come to the countryside and exchange plaster statutes for the carved saints. The old timers did not know the value of what they were exchanging and they fell pray to this trick. Today we even have a small collection which we exhibit in our museum. NEA: Do you have apprentices or are you, in some other way, transmitting your art to the younger generations? What advice would you have for the young people who are getting started in the trade? Avilés: Orocovis is the town of the Santeros. Any young man who is drawn to this art can come here. We give them some guidance and they are let loose to pursue their own style. Seven of my ten children are carv
