Very rare and exceptional 18th century Italian Santos. Beautifully coloured, glazed and painted terracotta head and torso. Incredibly lifelike detailed carved hands. Wooden articulated arms with fluid movement.

In good unrestored condition commensurate with age. Small chip on second digit of right hand. Some small loss to terracotta near base of torso, otherwise intact. 

Santos dolls take their name from the Spanish word for Saint. Originally comprising part of in-home altars, they were needed in small villages which may have lacked a convenient place of worship. Their development flourished in Europe in the 1700s and 1800s. 

We have another santos doll as well - please take a look at our other listings.