Virgin De Copacabana

The Virgen De Copacabana was created by Francisco Titi Yupanqui, a native Bolivian and descendant of an Inca king, in the late 1500's. Yupanquis original was rejected by the local priest and relegated to the corner of the church. Yupanquis then went to Potosi to study sculpture. He held a mass to bless its creation and remade the statue. The statue was once again rejected. The image was taken to the hills of Guacu and several miracles happened around it. This statue is perhaps the prime example of the Divine Inspiration. The sculptor is a Catholic convert, a Native and only through perseverance and faith does he finish his masterwork. The Virgin De Copacabana is now kept in the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana.