The icons of Christ in South America in general have a more gruesome depiction of suffering.  The travel author Paul Thoureux had a theory that since life is so much harder in these countries, the suffering of jesus must be that much more intense to have meaning.  Mainly, I think Paul Thoureux is full of crap, but he might have something here.  Although, I don't think that it is limited to suffering... life in South America is just intense.  It is emotional, flamboyant, aggressive, joyful, and full of pain.

Here is one example.  Note the knees.  Ouch.