Rodrigo Canil, a humble Father, son and a well-known wood sculpture from Chichicastenango, Guatemala. Rodrigo has six brothers 2 sisters and a 3 year old son. He has a degree in accounting, but is currently focusing on his wood carving profession.

He was 7 years old when his father died, a tragic event for him and his family. Inspired to bring back his father’s tradition and talented wood work he started working with wood at age 15 even though having little knowledge of the craft. He remembers helping his father making wooden animals and his job was to make the tails and ears.

He started his Santero career by creating nativity sets because he realized none of the other santeros were selling them. It was hard labor, that did not pay much, but gradually his innovative art work was getting popular. Tourist loved his work and he started getting larger and larger orders.

His original ideas and designs have made him well well-known among his community. He currently manages a team of 14 young artist. The majority are students that work during the day and go to school at night. The team consist of painters and wood carvers that create beautiful mask, nativities, and animals.