The figure of Our Lord of Esquipulas has his historical roots in the town of Esquipulas in southeastern Guatemala. Because the Indians had a difficult time worshiping a white Christ, the missionaries had a woodcarver create a Christ carved out of balsam and orange wood. The Indians were more inclined to worship this image because it resembled their brown complexions. Over time, the five-foot image turned black because of the many candles and sticks of incense that were burned at its base. The image is now known as the Black Christ.