Philippine Wood Santos, Based

A bearded saint in a round cap holds up a slim cross, seated on a knot of old root.

This santos comes from the Philippines and dates to the 19th century, carved in wood and pigment. Santos were made in great numbers for Philippine churches and household altars during the Spanish colonial period. The figure sits with one knee raised, robed and cloaked, the right hand lifting a tall cross. A cap crowns the head, and the beard is carved in fine strands. White pigment has worn away in patches to show the darker wood. It rests on a gnarled root on a stand and is 9.75 inches wide, 4.5 deep and 15.75 high.

Weathered, steady, and still holding the cross high.