Retablos: Colourful Peruvian tiny tales packed with culture and a dash of cheeky kitsch
- Sara Wright
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
If you haven’t met retablos yet, prepare to fall in love with these charming little boxes of Peruvian folk art. These mini scenes aren’t just beautiful—they’re bursting with stories, tradition, and a whole lot of personality.
What’s a Retablo anyway?
Retablos are like tiny theatres in a box, capturing everything from religious devotion to everyday life in vibrant, hand-painted detail. They’ve got roots in old Catholic altar pieces used by priests to share stories and bring the faith to indigenous communities in Peru.
Retablos originally had a religious purpose. Catholic priests used them as storytelling tools during colonial times to help convert Indigenous communities in the Andes. These portable shrines featured saints, angels, and biblical scenes — often travelling from village to village.
But over the decades, the art form evolved. By the mid-20th century, retablo artists began adding everyday scenes — musicians, market sellers, healers, even cheeky skeletons — all depicted in playful, brightly coloured miniature form.
Today, retablos reflect the vibrant culture and creativity of modern Peru. They mix Catholic tradition, Indigenous folklore, and Latin American humour, all in one joyful little box.
A secret, handcrafted tradition
Retablo making is a bit of a secret club. Only a few apprentices get to learn the craft in each family workshop, where skills are handed down slowly, carefully, and with a lot of love. The figures inside were once made with ground potato and plaster (yes, really!), but now clay is the go-to material — making the pieces stronger and ready to survive years of admiration.
The wooden boxes themselves are lovingly crafted from plywood and hand-painted with safe, non-toxic paints in dazzling colours. Though the tradition started in Ayacucho, it’s now blossoming in Lima, with families often working together — each mastering a part of the process like sculpting, painting, or finishing.
Each retablo is a labour of love. Because the craft is still protected in some communities, apprentices are often carefully selected and taught over many years. The result? One-of-a-kind pieces bursting with personality.
Why we’re obsessed at Cheekymono
Our retablos are not just pretty things to look at, they’re conversation starters, culture carriers, and perfect little bursts of kitsch joy for your home. Whether you’re drawn to their religious roots, the Day of the Dead celebrations, or just their bright, playful charm, these pieces bring dopamine-level happiness and a splash of bold Latin American spirit wherever they go.
We’re all about joy, colour, and culture — and retablos tick every box. Whether you’re decorating your shelf with a festive Christmas nativity scene, gifting a skeleton musician retablo for Día de los Muertos, or just want a fun talking point in your home, there’s something gloriously unique about them.
And because ours are handmade in Peru using Fairtrade practices, they’re purchases you can feel good about too.
Perfect for gifts, unique home décor, Christmas or Halloween decorations or adding a pop of colour and story to your space. Plus, they’re handmade with heart, so every retablo is truly one-of-a-kind. Want to bring a bit of Peruvian folk magic into your life?
Dive into our retablo collection and find your own tiny story today!
With love,
Sara @ cheekymono
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