Rare circa 1800 Primitive Santo” of the Virgin with Child — Visayan Folk Catholic Sculpture, Philippines — Semi-Molave Wood with Original Polychrome and Cherub Base This is a powerful and deeply aged “primitive santo” — a rare devotional carving of the Virgin with Child from the Visayan region of the Philippines, likely dating circa 1800 Hand-carved from native semi-molave (Vitex parviflora), this sculpture exemplifies the spiritual intimacy and raw craftsmanship of rural Filipino Catholicism during the Spanish colonial period. The Virgin’s face is quietly expressive — solemn yet maternal, carved without idealization but full of grounded compassion. The Child is rendered in robust folk style, his body weighty, his expression simplified. A stylized cherub face is carved at the base, anchoring the pair in symbolic heavenly support. The asymmetry and visible chisel marks throughout the figure convey urgency, sincerity, and faith — hallmarks of authentic village-level santos. Notably, this piece bears two official RP (Republic of the Philippines)inventory stickers and a paper label identifying the work as: “Virgin with Child (Primitive) Origin – Visayan Region Wood – Semi-Molave” These suggest it was registered during mid-20th-century efforts to document folk religious art, likely by the National Museum of the Philippines. The label also bears the name “E.S. Gomez,” referencing a known museum cataloger. Key features: Original material: Semi-molave wood, deeply aged and oxidized Remnants of original polychrome and gilding, visible especially on robes and veil Right arm missing, but two rusted nails remain — likely from an original pegged appendage Deep vertical cracking through base and body, stable and consistent with age Unrestored, untouched condition Visible cherub/putti carving at base Museum/collector labels intact Acquired 2013 Ermita, Manila This is not a church-commissioned piece, but a domestic or provincial altar statue, carved by a rural craftsman and likely venerated for generations. It was not made for decoration — it was made for devotion, and it carries the marks of spiritual use and long survival. Disclaimer This sculpture is over 150 years old and in unrestored, original condition. The missing right arm, surface wear, cracks, pigment loss, and nail remnants are part of the piece’s historical authenticity and folk character. No attempt has been made to clean, repaint, or alter the piece. Please examine photos carefully — all flaws are intentional to preserve integrity. Due to the nature of folk santos, asymmetry and rough carving are not defects, but part of the tradition. This piece is offered as-is and sold as a devotional ethnographic object with museum-style provenance. Expert Note This santo is a textbook example of Filipino rural devotional sculpture from the Spanish colonial period — rare, raw, and emotionally evocative. Unlike polished ecclesiastical works, primitive Visayan santos are carved with sincerity rather than symmetry. The present example reflects an urgent, lived spirituality. Its museum-style label, National Museum-style inventory codes, and untouched condition greatly enhance its value. Similar pieces rarely appear on the market — most are either heavily restored or already in institutional collections. The original cherub carving, pigment remnants, and labels elevate this piece into a class of its own. Ideal for collectors of: Ethnographic religious art Southeast Asian folk Catholicism Spanish colonial-era devotional pieces Museum-worthy artifacts