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Artisans from Minas Gerais

Situated in southern Brazil, Minas Gerais is a region of mineral riches and captivating artistry. From 1720, many cities and villages were founded near gold mines, and most featured spectacular churches. The economy was orientated to gold and diverse minerals, and businessmen began to form different religious brotherhoods. They were devoted to their specific patron saint, and built their own church. The brotherhoods were based on skin color.

This social structure sponsored the development of sacred art, one of Minas Gerais' most traditional artistic expressions. The predominant style was referred to as Barroco Mineiro ("mining baroque"), which was adapted from the Portuguese baroque stylizations. The technique is unique to the region and used materials from local mines.

The gold mines eventually decayed yet the ability to work with the hands pervaded. Miners joined artisans and together they began to craft a variety of extraordinary items with the materials the land offered, especially wood and sisal.

The Artisans from Minas Gerais value their artistic and historical legacy and through their work, they intend to preserve a part of Brazil's ancestral artistry.