The miners, though devout Catholics, traditionally erect (no pun intended) figures depicting the devil, often referred to as "El Tio" (meaning "Uncle"). They figure his home isn't far from where they're working, so he must own the minerals, and it's best to appease him with something in exchange. The more impressive "features" of the demonic figure are politely hidden from view in this photo, but to paraphrase Mel Brooks, "It's good to be the devil!"
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