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


A woman prays at El Jesus Nazareno Brotherhood in Izalco, El Salvador.
(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.
(REUTERS/Jose Cabezas)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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