George Lopez
Master Santero of Cordova, NM
(1900-1993)

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | September 2025

New Arrivals from George Lopez are now on display at Chimayo Trading. Come to the gallery to see them in person or online at chimayotrading.com, along with many other wood carvings from artists like Patrociño Barela and Leo Salazar.

George T. Lopez (1900–1993) was a celebrated wood carver from Cordova, New Mexico, whose artistry in creating santos—religious figures depicting saints, the Virgin Mary, and scenes from the life of Christ—earned him international recognition. A sixth-generation santero in a family renowned for reviving the Cordova wood carving tradition, Lopez’s work is a testament to his deep faith, cultural heritage, and technical mastery. His carvings, characterized by their unpainted, chip-carved style, are featured in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“San Pasquale”, ca.1960s
14″ x 4.5″ x 4″
$980

Born in the small village of Cordova, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains north of Santa Fe, Lopez grew up in a community with a rich history of religious wood carving dating back to the 16th-century Spanish settlement. His father, José Dolores Lopez (1868–1937), was a pivotal figure in reviving the santero tradition, transitioning from painted furniture to unpainted, chip-carved santos that resonated with Anglo collectors. George, the third son of José Dolores, was immersed in this craft from childhood, watching his father carve bultos (three-dimensional religious figures) in the fervent Catholic environment of Cordova.

Lopez’s work is distinguished by its adherence to traditional techniques and materials. His carvings, such as the San Rafael Archangel with a cross and two large fish, reflect his intense religious devotion and cultural pride. George Lopez’s legacy as a santero transcends his technical skill, embodying the cultural and spiritual heart of Cordova. Through his work, Lopez bridged the sacred and the artistic, leaving an indelible mark on New Mexico’s cultural landscape.

“San Rafael”, ca.1950s
13″ x 8″ x 4″
$1250

His carvings, often made from local aspen and cedar, emphasized simplicity and texture through chip-carving techniques, leaving the wood unpainted to highlight its natural grain—a hallmark of the Cordova style pioneered by his father. Lopez’s santos included depictions of saints like San Pedro, San Pascuale, and Nuestra Señora de la Luz, as well as secular figures like animals and birds.

ca.1960s
9.5″ x 3″
$595

Lopez’s contributions were recognized with prestigious honors, including the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in 1982 and the Smithsonian and National Geographic’s “Masters of Traditional Arts” award in 1990. His work is housed in major institutions, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Taylor Museum for Southwestern Studies. Exhibitions like “Taking the High Road: Art, Family and Legacy in Córdova, New Mexico” at the Museum of International Folk Art (2005–2006) celebrated his family’s legacy. This exhibition featured his work alongside that of relatives like Sabinita Lopez Ortiz and Gloria Lopez Cordova, his nieces whom he raised and who continue the Cordova tradition, extending his influence to the next generation.

Ralph Lopez
“Tree of St Francis”
16″ x 9″ x 9″
$1250

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#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

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