Cusco Angels
Cusco, Peru. This monastery was built by indigenous (Incan) slaves after the 16th-century Spanish conquest, over the ruins of an Inca temple. On the wooden ceiling of the walkway around the central space of the monastery I saw two angels, which I believe were painted by indigenous artists. Here is a photo of the walkway, photos of the two painted “Cusco angels,” and the stained glass renditions of these angels. Their faces and wings were painted in layers and fired in a kiln.