Santos : Enduring Images Of
Northern New Mexican Village Churches
by Marie Romero Cash 
and Jack Parsons
$40 (296 page hardcover)

Richly illustrated with examples of 18th and 19th century art from northern New Mexico's village churches, Santos is an in depth investigation into the artistic heritage of the New Mexican saint maker.  Along with photographer Jack Parsons, Marie Romero Cash visited every church in the region and documented each piece. Together they photographed over 500 pieces, including the Archdiocese of Santa Fe collection housed at the Museum of International Folk Art.  Along the way, Cash uncovered numerous examples of unique santero art that were housed in these churches, protected by thick adobe walls and dedicated caretakers. In some cases, these pieces had survived intact as long as two hundred years.  In addition to cataloging these pieces, Cash delves into the specific artistic origins of this unique form and identifies two previously unknown major santeros. Cash's extensive research into these formerly "anonymous" artisans fills a gap in the study of this unique form.