The hotel where we were staying, Hotel Posada Primavera on Calle 16 de Septiembre, is decorated with wood carvings of saints which I greatly admired.  This St. Francis was in our room and other two were in the hotel lobby.

Asking the owner where I could see more she offered to call the artist, saying he is from Guatemala and carries his wares in a backpack.  A few hours later she informed me he was in Merida but would take a bus south and stop at the hotel for a showing on his way home. At 5:00 he arrived and we cleared a table in the lobby to view eight of his current creations.  I bought the one above, St. Francis of Assisi with birds on his shoulders and another of the Virgin de Guadalupe, which is packed away for the trip home to Playa del Carmen.  Forgetting to take photos of Daniel and his work, I was thankful when he sent me photos via WhatsApp and promised to send more as they become available.

They are carved from one piece of wood with arms and wings that fit into holes with pegs. He learned from his father and works now with his son. He also paints all the pieces.

One more that was located near the stairs to our second floor room: St. Gabriel who is about two feet tall.