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A retablo or "santero" box was originally used in Europe as a portable alter to be carried into battle during crusades. In Peru it was used by the Spanish conquistadors to teach Christianity to the people of remote villages. From the 17th to 19th centuries, santeros were transformed and integrated into the rural religious life, a combination of ancient rituals and Christianity. Mule carriers carried the boxes in which saints were carved from village to village, but they were used in magic ritual functions to insure abundance and fertility of the animals. To preserve the traditional art in modern times, the santero makers began depicting festivals, customs, history and political change. This contemporary box is now called a "retablo" and was made by the leading craft family of Nicario Jiménez, who displays his work all over the world.

Peruvian farmers buried these stones each year in ceremonies at the beginning of the growing season to pray for fertile fields and animals. They were dug up at the end of each season and saved for the next year. Each is unique, representing the crops grown by a particular farmer, the animals he raised, and the buildings he owned. This stone features cows, a field, a well, and buildings that could be the residential area or animals barns.

Slings (huaraca) were common Inca weapons. They were made from llama wool, often in contrasting colors, with complex braiding that resulted in patterns. The huaraca functioned as both a rope and a sling, by nestling a stone in the pocket of the device; the handler could twirl the stone in the air and hurl the stone. It was used for hunting as well as in battle. Inca slingers were excellent marksmen. The stone could be thrown at great velocity, at longer distances that javelins, another hunting tool or weapon available to the Inca men. Huaracas are still used today as accessories in dances and mock battles.

This miniature vessel illustrates the Inca style and was made in Cusco, Peru. Words stamped on the lower edges of the vessel 'Olave Antonio Palomino Cusco-Peru', including the name of one of the leading Peruvian craftsmen of the 20th century. Since he is best know for his religious imagery, a member of his family, who works with him, likely made this vessel. This sort of vessel, in a larger size, might have held Chicha or corn beer.