Bulto St. Rocce
1935-1942
Saint Roch is the patron saint of plague victims, which explains the rather gruesome sore on his exposed leg! This charming study by E. Boyd captures a traditional New Mexican *bulto* (carved wooden saint) from the 1930s or 40s. The figure stands stiffly in a bright blue robe with red cuffs and a rope belt, looking more like a folk art doll than a solemn religious icon. Boyd was part of a WPA project documenting these fading folk traditions, preserving the unique style of local *santeros* (saint makers) for future generations.
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