In Puerto Rico the term Santos applies to wood carvings of figures of the Catholic Church, such as saints, virgins, the three kings, etc. These figures were made outside of the church control, by folk artists referred to as santeros. They were created for private devotion for home altars.

The head, body and clothing of Santos were usually carved in one piece. The base, the hands, the figure of the Christ Child, the attributes and other components of the santo were made separately and affixed to the sculpture with wood dowels or nails. Most existing carvings are of a size appropriate for worship in the home, that is, from 8 to 20 inches in height. Color was an essential complement of the Santos.

Some santos made of gesso have been found, but, generally, the santo was entirely made of wood. Sometimes, the cape or cloak was made of gesso dipped cloth or papier maché. Usually the crowns, halos, lances, wings, staffs and other attributes were made out of metal, often of recycled materials that the santeros found around their homes. Native woods which were durable and easily worked were preferred, such as capá, mahogany, satinwood, cedar, and white-cedar among others. Sometimes all carvings were done with just a pocket knife.

In 1931, Dutch Dominican friars, who had been established in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, exhibited Santos in mission fairs in the Netherlands. Brought out of obscurity in these fairs and consequent articles Santos began gaining popularity as an item to be collected and exhibited.