New Mexican Santo Nino de Atocha Start Price USD 99.99 Current Price USD 384.99 Time Left - Bid Count 7 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, August 26, 2008 End Time Tuesday, September 02, 2008 Location Annandale, VA See more about 'New Mexican Santo Nino de Atocha' Description This carving has been signed by Ricardo Fernandez, Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Per Wikipedia, the story of the Santo Nino de Atocha is that "during the 13th Century, Spain was under Umayyad conquest of Hispania by the Moors. The town of Atocha was lost to the Muslim invaders, and the Christians there were taken prisoners. The Christians were placed on strict punishments and prohibitions were placed on the devout prisoners, who they were denied food by their captors. Eventually, only children under the age of 12 were permitted to bring them food. The women of Atocha knew that most of the people in the jails could not survive under such conditions. They were praying before the statue of Our Lady of Atocha, they pleaded for the Blessed Virgin Mary to ask her Jesus christ for help. Reports began to spread among the people of Atocha that a child under the age of twelve had begun to bring food to childless prisoners. The child was dressed in pilgrim's clothing.  When the women of Atocha heard of the miraculous Child, they returned to Our Lady of Atocha and thanked the Virgin for her intercession. Looking upon the image of the Madonna, they noticed that the shoes worn by the Infant Jesus held by Our Lady of Atocha were tattered and dusty. The shoes were replaced but became soiled once again. The people of Atocha saw this as a sign that the Infant Jesus went out every night to help those in need. It is said that he does many miracles, especially to children.  The Moorish conflict extended well beyond the town of Atocha. During dire points in their journey, travelers reported a young boy, dressed as a pilgrim, that would come to them bringing food and other necessities. The boy would often travel with them until they were out of danger and then guide them to the safest roads to reach their destination. The miraculous Child was always considered to be the Infant Christ and was given the title the Holy Child Of Atocha."  Saint Atocha is depicted dressed as a boy pilgrim. He wears a hat and a very ornate cloak and holds a basket of roses or food in one hand and a pilgrim's staff in the other. In art, the Saint Atocha's basket is sometimes shown empty, giving the impression that he has been out serving the needy; however, reports given by those who saw the Saint Atocha claim that his basket never ran out of food. Also, his pilgrim's staff is often depicted with a water gourd fastened to it.It appears that a small post to sit the Santo onto the chair has broken, however, this does not affect the stability of the seated saint.  The condition is excellent and it appears that the artists aged the paint to give it a distressed look. It measures 9" in height.  The age of this Santo is not known, though it appears to be of contemporary origin.  Please check out my other quality religious items offered this week. Place a Bid!