Amo Jesús de Puelenje, Religious wooden sculpture in Puelenje, Popayán, Colombia
Amo Jesús de Puelenje is a carved wooden sculpture depicting Jesus Christ with symbols representing his passion, created in the baroque style of the Quito school of art. The sculpture stands within a chapel and displays detailed religious imagery crafted by skilled artisans.
Dominican missionaries arrived in the region during the 16th century and established the first chapel in Puelenje to advance religious work among the local population. Following a devastating earthquake in 1983, the community rebuilt and constructed a new temple specifically to protect and house the sculpture.
The wooden sculpture is carried through the streets each year during Holy Week as part of local religious processions, making it central to Popayán's spiritual celebrations. The community gathers around it to express devotion and pass down traditions that have shaped life here for generations.
The best time to see the sculpture is during Holy Week when it is carried through the city in processions, drawing crowds of worshippers. Outside of this season, visitors can visit the chapel to view the wooden figure in its quiet chapel setting.
The community established a dedicated foundation in 1998 specifically to care for and protect the wooden sculpture from deterioration. This organization ensures proper maintenance and coordinates religious celebrations throughout the year to keep the sculpture's importance alive.
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