The Chavón Archaeological Museum will exhibit a collection of Sevillian silverware

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The Regional Archaeological Museum Altos de Chavón dons its finest attire to welcome an unparalleled display: the traveling exhibition “El Esplendor de la Platería Sevillana,” courtesy of the prestigious Castilleja Art Foundation. From the workshops of Sevillian silversmiths, this collection brings forth a centuries-old tradition brimming with talent and mastery, gaining worldwide renown in the realm of religious silversmithing.

The history of Sevillian silverware dates back to the 15th century when Spain, under the rule of the Catholic Monarchs, embarked on the evangelization of the newly discovered territories in America. This ingrained tradition was transplanted to churches, cathedrals and palaces across the American continent as part of the Spanish colonization legacy.

The Catholic religion, a central instrument of evangelization, reached American shores with Christopher Columbus’s first voyage in 1492. On the island of Quisqueya, present-day Dominican Republic, the first church on the continent was founded in the city of La Isabela. The Catholic Monarchs, immersed in the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, made evangelization one of the cornerstones of their reign.

The exhibition will showcase thirty exquisite pieces of religious silversmithing, crafted in silver and gold using various techniques. These pieces, true works of art, reflect devotion to the Catholic Church and the power of the noble classes of the time, adorning sacred spaces with opulence.

The Regional Archaeological Museum Altos de Chavón, part of the cultural and social programs of the Patronato Benéfico Oriental (PBO), takes pride in hosting this exceptional display. Through its programs, the PBO supports sustainable initiatives with social impact, such as this exhibition, complementing the activities of WAO Chavón, WAO Gallery, and Wao Hub. The revenue generated by these programs allows for the replication of cultural and social initiatives in vulnerable communities, as part of the PBO’s empowerment efforts.

“El Esplendor de la Platería Sevillana” will open on Saturday, May 11th, at 7 p.m. and will be open to the public until Sunday, June 9th, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees are cordially invited to reserve their attendance by calling (809) 532 8554 or contacting via Instagram at Museo_Chavon.

Silversmithing, Silverware and Seville

Silversmithing is an ancient art, involving the crafting of objects in precious metals such as gold and silver. The skill of the artist, original design and quality of materials confer each piece with a unique and heritage value.

This art has its roots in prehistory, during the metal ages, where the first copper objects were crafted to serve as both adornments and ritualistic objects of value. The silversmith workshop “Arte Castilleja,” responsible for the collection visiting Altos de Chavón, represents a centuries-old tradition of art and religiosity in the city of Seville. With a team of silversmiths and a century-old family tradition, this workshop, currently led by María Brihuega, is a living symbol of artisanal excellence.

Patronato Benéfico Oriental (PBO)

The Regional Archaeological Museum Altos de Chavón, as part of the cultural and social programs of the PBO, is committed to promoting values such as respect, solidarity, integrity and equitable opportunities. Through initiatives like the exhibition “The Splendor of Sevillian Silverware,” the PBO aims not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to generate social impact in vulnerable communities, creating opportunities for a more promising future.