What is a Santos cage doll?

A Santos cage doll is a type of Santos doll that has a cage below the torso, while the torso and head are shaped like a doll. Santos dolls originated in the 17th and 18th centuries as carvings of saints, and are beloved by collectors worldwide today. Shop a collection of antique Santos cage dolls on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.

A cage doll, also called a Santos doll, is a doll that was used to create an altar in the home, especially in areas that did not have their own priest. These European dolls often resemble a religious figure, like Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint. The body is typical of a doll, while the base is a frame that looks like a cage. Shop an array of vintage cage dolls on 1stDibs.

Santos Cage Doll

Spanish Colonial Santos

Santos Art Sculptures

18th Century Santos

Spain Polychrome Sculpture

French folk art / Santos cage doll with articulated arms, 1800-25

$800

French folk art / Santos cage doll with articulated arms, 1800-25

Located in Chicago, IL

A French folk art / Santos cage doll in carved and painted wood, circa 1800-25.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Recent Sales

Early And Delicately Carved Articulated Cage Doll Santos

Sold

H 18 in

Early And Delicately Carved Articulated Cage Doll Santos

Located in Peekskill, NY

This is a beautiful early Santos. There are a number of features that make this example so special. Most important is the skilled carving. Hands are the first thing I look at and the...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Other Religious Items

Materials

Wood

18th Century Spanish Santos Wooden Cage Doll with Polychrome Decoration

Sold

H 35.5 in Dm 9.5 in

18th Century Spanish Santos Wooden Cage Doll with Polychrome Decoration

Located in Milford, NH

A fine example of a Spanish Santos wooden cage doll with polychrome decoration, probably dating to the late 18th or early 19th century in good overall condition, with paint losses, s...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Monumental 18th Century Italian Carved Cage Doll Santos with Silvered Crown

Sold

H 78 in W 30 in D 28 in

Monumental 18th Century Italian Carved Cage Doll Santos with Silvered Crown

Located in Milford, NH

An impressive large carved polychrome cage doll santos with fine facial details, detachable hands, jointed arms with attaching hooks, on an oval wooden base, and includes an unmarked...

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Silver Plate

Spanish Caged Santos with Glass Eyes

Sold

H 24 in

Spanish Caged Santos with Glass Eyes

Located in Culver City, CA

Caged Doll/Santos. Wonderful unique color with glass eyes.

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Religious Items

Materials

Wood, Glass

Mid-19th Century Bastidor Italian Santos Doll Wooden Caged Mannequin Madonna

Sold

H 21 in W 14 in D 10 in

Mid-19th Century Bastidor Italian Santos Doll Wooden Caged Mannequin Madonna

Located in Firenze, Toscana

A good mid-19th century Italian wooden bastidor (cage) with inset glass eyes, original articulated arms - jointed at the elbow. Original slatted cage base together with original blue...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Toys and Dolls

Materials

Glass, Wood

Spanish Colonial Cage Doll Madonna Santos

Sold

H 24 in Dm 8 in

Spanish Colonial Cage Doll Madonna Santos

Located in Stamford, CT

Spanish Colonial style Santos of the Madonna or a female saint. These cage dolls were, and still are used in processions celebrating Roman Catholic holidays and and Saints feast days.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Guatemalan Spanish Colonial Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Folk Art Cage Doll / Santos with Articulating Arms

Sold

H 27 in Dm 10 in

Vintage Folk Art Cage Doll / Santos with Articulating Arms

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage Folk Art cage doll / santos with articulating arms, circa 1900s.

Category

Early 20th Century American Primitive Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Softwood

18th Century Cage Doll Santos Figure

Sold

H 18 in W 5 in D 5 in

18th Century Cage Doll Santos Figure

Located in North Beninngton, VT

Beautiful 18th century Spanish Colonial Cage Doll Santos figure from Mexico. She is probably St.

Category

Antique 1790s Religious Items

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Questions About Santos Cage Doll

What is a Santos cage doll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Santos cage doll is a type of Santos doll that has a cage below the torso, while the torso and head are shaped like a doll. Santos dolls originated in the 17th and 18th centuries as carvings of saints, and are beloved by collectors worldwide today. Shop a collection of antique Santos cage dolls on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is a cage doll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A cage doll, also called a Santos doll, is a doll that was used to create an altar in the home, especially in areas that did not have their own priest. These European dolls often resemble a religious figure, like Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint. The body is typical of a doll, while the base is a frame that looks like a cage. Shop an array of vintage cage dolls on 1stDibs.