Cross of Lamentation Hand Made Religious Wood Retablo Diorama Andean Folk Art Cristobal Ramirez centered by a heart shape

centered by a heart shape with curling openwork

While he waits for a forever home

Neatly tied in graceful knots

or rose gold-dipped

Cross of Lamentation Hand Made Religious Wood Retablo Diorama Andean Folk Art Cristobal Ramirez centered by a heart shapeAfter Christ's death on the cross, the image itself came to be venerated as one of the most important Christian symbols. Alejandro Chvez shows an empty cross, graced with a portrait of Jesus. Ladders reach to beams where ofrendas (offerings) have been placed. Figures in traditional Andean dress kneel below the cross, their eyes lifted in devout prayer. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and