Restorers of an 18th century wooden statue of Jesus Christ have reportedly found a calligraphed note that a priest hid in the Messiah’s rear end.
The note dates back to 1777 and is signed by Joaquin Minguez, priest of the cathedral of Burgo de Osma at the time, the statue’s restorers claim.
It reportedly discusses popular Spanish pastimes, the local village’s economic situation, political and religious matters, famous people, and other topics.
Restorers of an 18th century wooden statue of Jesus Christ have reportedly found a calligraphed note that a priest hid in the Messiah’s rear end
The note dates back to 1777 and is signed by Joaquin Minguez, priest of the cathedral of Burgo de Osma at the time, the statue’s restorers claim
The document was recently unearthed by workers of the Madrid-based art restoration company Da Vinci Restauro.
Today the wooden statue is kept at the church of Santa Agueda in the village of Sotillo de la Ribera in the northern Spanish province of Burgos.
The document, handwritten on both sides of two pages, was found when restorers removed a piece of fabric used to cover Christ’s behind which exposed a small gap.
‘The document of the eighteenth century appeared when we were dismantling the Christ of the cross,’ Da Vinci Restauro restorer Gemma Ramírez Millares told MailOnline.
‘The wood is hollow inside, and the sculptor introduced the two permaninos, which we have found.
‘The document found talks about life in the town in 1777, the author, the local economy, games and customs of the time, etc.’
The note, foun din the rear end of the statue pictured, reportedly discusses popular Spanish pastimes, the local village’s economic situation, political and religious matters, famous people, and other topics
The document was recently unearthed by workers of the Madrid-based art restoration company Da Vinci Restauro
Today the wooden statue is kept at the church of Santa Agueda in the village of Sotillo de la Ribera in the northern Spanish province of Burgos
Da Vinci Restauro reports it spoke to a local historian named Efren Arroyo, who said: ‘It is amazing, because it really is unique to find hidden handwritten documents inside such statues.’
However the company was not forthcoming with details of Mr Arroyo or confirm where his research is based.
The document names the statue’s sculptor and includes information about local practices such as farming and community affairs, Da Vinci Restauro claims.
The document, handwritten on both sides of two pages, was found when restorers removed a piece of fabric used to cover Christ’s behind which exposed a small gap
The document names the statue’s sculptor and includes information about local practices such as farming and community affairs, Da Vinci Restauro claims
The script also highlights common diseases, popular children’s games and even the names of successful bullfighters of the time
The script also highlights common diseases, popular children’s games and even the names of successful bullfighters of the time.
Da Vinci Restauro said the references indicate its author intended for the note to act as a time capsule for future generation.
MailOnline spoke to Ms Millares over the phone, but the art restorer was unable to give any extra detail on what the note says.
Da Vinci Restauro said the references indicate its author intended for the note to act as a time capsule for future generation
MailOnline spoke to Ms Millares over the phone, but the art restorer was unable to give any extra detail on what the note says