Ecuadorian Crucifix
This crucifix was crafted by Angel Puente, an artist from Same, a coastal town in Esmeraldas, c. 2023. The cross is made of chonta, a palm hardwood, and the figure of Christ is carved in coconut wood, which creates a marble-like texture. Epsidon Beltrán, the owner of the Beltran Art Gallery in Quito, describes the contrast of woods as giving “shining splendor” to this cross. The INRI inscription is decorated with mother-of-pearl. The piece was found and brought to Notre Dame by Ms. Martha Velasco.
The Catholic faith was introduced in what is now Ecuador, in South America, by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The Northern coastal region, named for the production of emeralds, was the site of early settlements by Africans who escaped from slavery and formed alliances with local indigenous communities. In the late 16th century, these groups entered into negotiations with the colonial administration in Quito and accepted the establishment of Catholic missions. By 2012, four and a half centuries later, 80% of the population in Ecuador identified with the Catholic faith.