Southwest Spanish Craftsmen
314 S. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505.982.1767
Santa Fe Style: A Bit of History
The first permanent Spanish colonists in 17th century New Mexico included guilds of artisans, among them woodworkers called carpinteros.
They were not only carpenters, but craftsmen schooled in the woodworking arts essential to constructing and furnishing the missions, homes and other buildings on this frontier of New Spain.
While the carpinteros maintained their strict (and secret) traditions of specifications and techniques, they also adapted to the territory - its climate, terrain and materials - and to its Native Pueblo culture. From these indigenous peoples, the artisans recruited apprentices, learned adobe construction, taught Old World crafts to new generations, and developed their own design vernacular.
Over four centuries, the carpinteros of New Mexico modified their products to accommodate the needs and tastes of new waves of settlers, while preserving artistic idioms and standards of the Mission period. The revival of Spanish Colonial and Territorial styles in the early 20th century transmuted into an abiding love for the designs and craftsmanship of the carpinteros. Our namesake.