An x-ray has revealed that a 300-year-old statue of Jesus Christ in Mexico is fitted with human teeth, all of which appear to be in perfect condition. The eight teeth were discovered when researchers began restorative work on the statue – known as the ‘Lord of Patience’ – which was believed to have been created in the 18th century.
The teeth are thought to have been donated by followers as a way of showing gratitude or in an attempt to feel closer to the religious figure. Art restorer Fanny Unikel spoke to Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History about the restoration and explained that statues usually have teeth made out of wood or bone, so it is fairly unusual for them to have human teeth with the roots intact. Unikel said that the sculpture, which is located at a church in San Bartolo Cuautlalpan, around 30 miles north of Mexico City, was very well preserved, she said; ‘The sculpture is always dressed. He only leaves the church during Holy Week, when he is paraded through the town.’
It is common for rural communities to parade religious figures through the town on holy days and Unikel added ‘The community really appreciates him, and this can be seen in the base of the sculpture, where there are different layers of multiple shades of paint. This shows that they wanted to present him with dignity.’