Mateuverte · CC BY-SA 3.0Tobatí woodcarving and religious statues
Saints and figures carved in cedar, lapacho and palo santo, in a style inherited from the Franciscan missions.
What it is
Many Tobatí families carve wooden saints in a style that fuses Guaraní and Franciscan traditions, as well as folk figures and free-form pieces. They work with cedar, guatambú, peterevy, lapacho, quebracho and, above all, palo santo, a fragrant wood from the Chaco. In the rural district of Rosado, masks are also carved from timbó root for the patron-saint festivals.
History
The tradition dates from Franciscan times: Tobatí's church, inaugurated around 1750, preserves hand-carved Baroque altarpieces. Master Zenón Páez Esquivel was one of the country's most prolific carvers; his son Urso Páez carries on the craft.
Did you know…?
At Urso Páez's workshop in Rosado, visitors can take part in the whole process, from preparing the wood to wielding the gouges.
Where to buy
Workshops in Rosado and central Tobatí; Urso Páez's workshop is on the IPA's National Crafts Route (visits by appointment; roughly ₲50,000 to ₲100,000, check before you go). Pair it with Tobatí's hills and the Basilica of Caacupé.