Retablos are santos painted on flat pieces of wood, and bultos are santos carved out of wood and sometimes painted as well. Their function was to promote the spiritual development of the faithful and to remind them of the richness and profundity of their faith.

Traditional religious folk artists, known as santeros, used paints produced from local plants, insects and soil, resulting in subtle colors and an artistic style that was kept simple. These same artistic traditions continue today, often handed down through the generations.

In Northern New Mexico, the Christo crucifado is the most commonly represented santo. Other common images include the Holy Family and Jesus; sacred mysteries such as the Holy Trinity, the Annunciation, the Resurrection, and important saints.

Historically, santos were religious icons, or images, that portray sacred Catholic personages and important saints. The tradition developed in the late 17th century, at a time when the geographical isolation of New Mexico contributed to local adaptation of ritual and iconographic art forms.

San Jose, Retablo, José de Gracia Gonzales, c. 1850-75, MRM 1980-17-36
Madonna and Child, Tin, Paper and Reverse Painted Glass, The Isleta Tin Smith, c. 1900, MRM 1991-49-2
San Acacio, Bulto, Artist Unknown, Hispanic, c. 1880, MRM 1980-17-30