Colonial Silverwork

Silver was used to create many objects of domestic uses and for liturgy. Some objects were embellished with precious stones. The museum's silver collection includes objects used in mass, such as candelabra, censers, a bookrest used to hold sacred books in the altar, and a tabernacle, where consecrated hosts were kept. Many silver objects present small marks that identify the city where they were manufactured, and sometimes the silversmith, identifying their origin with certainty.

Silver was also used by members of cofradías, religious brotherhoods formed by men and women who cared for specific religious images. Cofradías were introduced by Spanish priests, and they are still important social institutions in Maya communities. Among the most impressive manifestation of Colonial silverwork are silver-dressed religious images, such as the Archangel Saint Michael on exhibit. On special occasions, members of cofradías took their images in procession, accompanied by silver crosses, banners and insignias.

	Processional Cross Santiago de Guatemala XVI th Century Height 88 cm; Width 37.2 cm.
	Incense Boat By Diego de Montero Santiago de Guatemala XVIth Century Height 16 cm; Length 21.5 cm.

	Sacrarium Santiago de Guatemala XVII-XVIII Century (?) Height 63.5 cm; Width 63 cm.
	Missal Stand Santiago de Guatemala XVIIIth Century Height 43 cm; Width 39 cm.