Restorers Repair Centuries Old Jesus Statue, Discover Something Hidden Inside

In a remarkable revelation, restorers working on an 18th-century wooden statue of Jesus Christ claim to have uncovered a calligraphed note hidden within the Messiah’s rear end. The note, dating back to 1777 and allegedly signed by Joaquin Minguez, a priest of the cathedral of Burgo de Osma, delves into various topics, including Spanish pastimes, the local economy, political and religious matters, and notable personalities.

The restoration team, from the Madrid-based art restoration company Da Vinci Restauro, asserts the authenticity of the find, suggesting that the document was concealed within the statue’s hollow interior. The wooden statue usually resides in the church of Santa Agueda in the village of Sotillo de la Ribera in the northern Spanish province of Burgos.

According to Gemma Ramírez Millares, a restorer at Da Vinci Restauro, the discovery occurred during the dismantling of the Christ on the cross. A piece of fabric covering the statue’s behind was removed, revealing the hidden note. The handwritten document reportedly spans two pages and provides insights into life in the town in 1777, including details about the sculptor, local customs, economic activities, and more.

Da Vinci Restauro produced a re-enactment video showcasing the moment of the discovery. The restoration firm claims to have consulted with a local historian named Efren Arroyo, who expressed amazement at the uniqueness of finding hidden handwritten documents inside statues. However, the company did not provide additional information about Mr. Arroyo or the location of his research.

The contents of the note reportedly include the sculptor’s name, details about farming practices, community affairs, prevalent diseases, children’s games, and even the names of successful bullfighters from that era. Da Vinci Restauro suggests that the references within the document indicate the author’s intention for it to serve as a time capsule for future generations.

While the restoration company makes bold claims about the historical significance of the find, it’s important to note that the legitimacy of the discovery has not been confirmed by historians or archaeologists. The mystery surrounding the hidden note adds intrigue to the restoration process, raising questions about the motivations behind concealing such a document within a religious artifact.

As the story unfolds, the statue of Jesus with its unexpected historical payload serves as a captivating intersection of art, history, and religious symbolism. Whether the hidden note will be validated and its full contents revealed remains a subject of anticipation, adding an extra layer of fascination to this extraordinary discovery.

Sources: Daily Mail