Resurrecting sacred art

A look at the few remaining El Salvadorian artists dedicated to restoring the country's ancient Catholic artifacts

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Lauren Hansen's avatar
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Jose Sabas Gomez works on a statue of El Jesus Nazareno in his workshop in Apastepeque, El Salvador March 9, 2016.
A woman prays at El Jesus Nazareno Brotherhood in Izalco, El Salvador.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas)In the small, predominantly Catholic country of El Salvador, a dwindling group of artisans have dedicated their lives to restoring these ancient figures and works. The l)

A 150-year-old statue is unwrapped by members of the Santa Catarina brotherhood in Izalco, El Salvador.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

Manuel de Jesus Quilizapa works on a statue in his workshop in Izalco, El Salvador.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

Relatives of Manuel de Jesus Quilizapa work on a statue of Jesus.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

An assistant of Manuel de Jesus Quilizapa adjusts the head of a statue.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

Manuel de Jesus Quilizapa works on a statue.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

Jose Sabas Gomez's woodcarving tools are spread out on a table in his workshop in Apastepeque, El Salvador.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

Jose Sabas Gomez works on a statue of Jesus.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

A set of wooden hands are propped on top of paint cans in Jose Sabas Gomez's workshop.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

Jose Sabas Gomez's son Miguel works on a statue of Jesus.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Jose Cabezas))

Lauren Hansen
Lauren Hansen

Lauren Hansen produces The Week’s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.