Mexico. The Angels of Tulpetlac

In our previous post we explored the churchyard crosses of Tulpetlac, north of Mexico City. Here we look at the reliefs and statues of angels, mostly archangels, that adorn the walls of the church.
   The works fall into two categories: 1. freestanding statues atop the atrium walls. and 2. reliefs embedded in the church walls.
Both depict archangels mostly holding Instruments of The Passion. 

                                              Spear

Hammer

 

Veronica;                               Three nails

Statues
The statues are skillfully carved with swirling skirts, carefully detailed spread wings and buskins, and stand atop pedestals faced with relief rosettes.

  

Cross;                                        Spear and Hyssop

Reliefs

The reliefs are carved in the same manner, probably by the same stone masons, and may simply represent angels rather than archangels.

text ©2022 Richard D. Perry

photography © Niccolo Brooker