Santos Cage Dolls at Brocante-Vintage

After almost three month of waiting I’m so please to be able to say that my shipments of these beautiful Santos Cage Dolls have finally arrived.

Those of you who are familiar with the wonderful Nina Hartman of Vintage By Nina and Jeanne d'Arc Living will know that these dolls are somewhat an interiors delight. Even though these dolls have no bearing to Nordic history these interior designers have brought them to the forefront. They are very popular. To read about the full history of these dolls please read the previous article.

These intriguing dolls will match beautifully with any antique, vintage, shabby chic, Italian, French, Spanish, South American and Central American décor. They can be dressed up in beautiful dresses or fashioned out of beautiful antique fabrics such as tulle, chiffons and satins. They are also made to hold and wear small Ex-Votos ~ Wings ~ Crowns ~ Milagros and Halos. If you choose to just keep them garment free (which I personally prefer) you can place trinkets inside the cage.

They have such a presence; I’ve even caught myself saying 'good morning' to one of them. They become an old friend. They are more than just a doll, they are an art form.

My love for these dolls all started when I saw an article in Homes & Antiques Magazine. I took one look at the doll standing on a mantle piece on the page and feel in love with it and that’s how it all started. I’m now happy that I can bring them to the UK for others to enjoy as they are predominantly U.S. based! 

I wanted to offer a variety of choices to suit a wide range of tastes and individual styles. A home is very personal. So let me introduce you to the three styles I have for sale, Monica, Venita and Sarita.

MONICA

VENITA

SARITA

All of these Santos Cage Dolls are available to purchase on my Ebay store & Etsy Shop

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B R O C A N T E ~ V I N T A G E  
H O M E  &  I N T E R I O R S

For any Sales enquires please email: salesbrocante-vintage@hotmail.com

For any Press & P.R. enquires please email: brocante-vintage@hotmail.co.uk

Origins of the Santos Cage Doll

In this article which has been provided by santoscagedoll.com gives an over view about Santos Dolls, what they represent and how they came to be...

European Beginnings

The Santos dolls take their name from the Spanish word for Saint, and are also known as Santons (French) and Santibelli (Italian). The Santos that started the genre of dolls we currently represent (primarily Spanish Colonial and Western European style), were originally started as copies of 17th century carvings by priests. Originally, Santos were created for use as in-home altars.  They were needed in small villages that did not have a priest, as well as for when it was not possible to travel to church, such as during times of war.  Their development flourished in Europe in the 1700's and 1800's, primarily due to these wars.

Santos dolls are closely related to the Crèche figures, which were implemented in Italy by St Francis of Assisi, during the 13th century. However, the Crèche are primarily associated with Italian and French nativity and crib scenes.  Crèche scenes are still elaborately displayed throughout Italy and in parts of France, most notably in Provence.

Discovery of the New World

European Santos dolls were also brought to the Latin Americas during the Colonial age of Spain's settling of The New World.  The dolls were used to aid in the conversion of the Native Americans and Central American Indians to Catholicism. Many of these original dolls, along with the art that inspired them, were destroyed while trying to settle the West.  Therefore, antiques in good shape are rare and very expensive. It is not uncommon to see an antique Santos bring 4 and 5 digit figures.  In more recent years, fine and folk art has emerged to replace these dolls.  Santos dolls are designed and created by "Santeros" or "Santonniers" (loosely 'saint maker'). As the art form has progressed, the Santos has become recognized as a true artistic doll.  Some dolls are rustic carvings, while others have magnificent details.

Reproductions

Santos, particularly the females, exhibit a most loving expression that is also complex and thoughtful. Their shape is often rustic in nature, yet with delicate details.  They are sometimes painted in rich colors with detailed eyes.  Antique dolls frequently have glass eyes, while reproductions (as well as some antique Santos) most commonly have painted eyes.  The dolls emulate the image of Christ, The Virgin Mary, Patron Saints, as well as other notable figures in biblical history.