IV.

Religious Objects

Artisans created splendidly crafted religious objects in silver and gold for the newly built churches and cathedrals of Latin America. These objects included candlesticks, processional crosses, cups, plates, and monstrances (vessels used in Roman Catholic religious ceremonies). Designs became especially elaborate in silver mining areas such as Potosí, in Bolivia, and Guanajuato, Zacatecas, and Taxco (Taxco de Alarcón), in Mexico. Throughout the colonial era, the cities of Lima, Mexico City, and Bogotá, Colombia, were known for their highly developed craftsmanship.