All posts by Johan van Parys

Africa, Kenya, Nativities

Maasai Nativity

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This Nativity is carved from ebony wood by Joseph Kisilu. The set is painted by Steven Kyalo. They work in an artisan workshop run by Steven Kyalo in Gikomba, a poor area near the city center of Nairobi, capitol of Kenya. 

Both Joseph and Mary are bald because, according to the Maasai culture, when a baby is born the father and the mother shave their head as a symbol that they have conquered or have been relieved of a heavy burden. Mary wears a beautiful necklace and carries a gourd filled with milk to feed the baby Jesus. Joseph carries a spear and shield as a symbol of his duty to protect his sacred family. The angel is represented by a Maasai messenger who has praying hands. The two shepherds with red hair, each carrying a spear and shield, are Maasai warriors who protect the village and herds from predators. The three wise men are Maasai seers; they wear headdresses and carry a spear and club. The giraffe, leopard, and zebra signify that the Maasai live with these animals in Kenya and Tanzania . The Joseph figure measures 5.5 inches tall (excluding his spear).

Africa, Nativities, Niger

Tuareg Nativity

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This Aïr stone nativity comprises 11 semi-abstract and stylized figures. They include Mary, Joseph, Jesus, three magi, a zebu, buffalo, sheep and donkey. The nativity is handcrafted by Tuareg craftsmen using a typical Tuareg technique. The Aïr stone is extracted from the Aïr massif near Agadez in northern Niger. This stone is very close to soapstone. First, the stone is heated and proven with coal fire to give it its unique brown-black color. Then the stone is manually engraved to bring out the white furrows. The height varies between 3-6 inches.

Africa, Liberia, Nativities

Eva’s Lappa Nativity

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This lappa or colorful cloth Nativity is made by Eva Paye in Monrovia, capital of Liberia. The set includes 10 figures: Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, an angel dressed in white, a shepherd with staff, two sheep, and three wise men with gifts. Each wise man has a cowrie shell on his headdress. The artisan’s attention to detail and the careful stitching are impressive. St. Joseph and Mary are dressed in the same fabric for unity.

Eva survived the Second Liberian Civil War by hiding in The Bush during the fighting. Eva lost her husband in the war and now cares for her children alone. She has developed her own original craft designs to support her family. Eva sews her Nativity figures using the local colorful cloth known as lappa in Liberia.

Africa, Ghana

“Jesus and the African Kings”

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Thomas Kumah Nedjoh carved this uniquely African nativity scene from Ofram wood.

Sitting in front of a hut, accompanied by shepherds and farm animals, the Holy Family receives the three Magi, represented as kings.

The first king bears a stool throne as symbol of Jesus’ majesty. The second king offers a gourd filled with gold. And the third king brings a state sword for oath-swearing. The man bearing a staff with a star is the spokesperson for the kings.

Nedjoh carve each piece by hand with sublime detail to create a moving and endearing scene.

The tallest piece is 9.5″ H x 5″ W x 3.5″ D. The smallest is 1.6″ H x 2.8″ W x 1.6″ D.

Africa, Ghana, Nativities

“Welcome Jesus” Nativity

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This highly expressive nativity was carve in sustainable oniya wood by Francis Agbete. Flanked by a sheep, a lamb and a donkey, Baby Jesus is welcomed into this Ghanaian village. Mary kneels next to Jesus, with an angel standing above him. Joseph and a shepherd, both holding a staff protectively guard him. The Magi approach the Holy Family bearing their gifts. And a drumming animates the scene. The tallest piece is 3.5″ H x 1.6″ W x 0.8″ D. The smallest piece is 1.2″ H x 1.2″ W x 0.4″ D.

Francis Agbete was born December 28, 1976 in a family of traditional wood carvers in a suburb of Accra, the capital of Ghana. He learned the trade from his father whom he assisted in his workshop. While still in school he started his own workshop together with his sister and a cousin. Today they operate a workshop where his father’s work is exhibited as well.

Guatemala, Nativities, South America

“Rejoice” Nativity

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The Baby Jesus is welcomed by Mary and Joseph, as well as by the archangel Gabriel and the Three Wise Men. Guarded by a donkey and a cow, this nativity scene is quite charming. Jose Canil Ramos carved each figurine by hand from pinewood he weathers and dries during the summer months. The characters’ florid orange robes and purple cloaks are painted by hand, including their smiling faces. Featuring nine pieces, this nativity scene preserves a tradition that was brought to Guatemala in 1649. The tallest piece is 15″ H x 6″ W x 4.7″ D. The smallest piece is 4.5″ H x 1.2″ W x 1″ D.

Jose Canil Ramos was born on May 25, 1981 in Chichicastenango. He learned his craft from his father who used to carve masks and saints to sell at the Chichi market.  Jose now shares a workshop with his mother.

Mexico, Nativities, North America

“Awestruck” Nativity

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This charming nativity by Alicia Urdaneta is made of papier mache, Mary, Joseph, and a holy angel gather around baby Jesus in a manger. Hand-painted designs accentuate each piece. The tallest figure is 7.25″ H x 3.9″ W x 2.8″ D, The smallest figure is 3.1″ H x 1″ W x 1″ D.

Alicia Urdaneta is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. She currently lives in Mexico where she works with 20 families of artisans.

Guatemala, Nativities, South America

“Calaveras” Nativity Scene

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Carved by hand from pinewood, this unique nativity scene is comprised of nine pieces. Jose Canil Ramos depicts the Holy Family with an angel, the Three Kings, a donkey and a cow. Though theologically questionable these folk art figures appear as calaveras, literally “skulls,” a popular theme in Guatemala for the annual Day of the Dead celebration, November 2. The tallest piece is : 6″ H x 3.7″ W x 1.6″ D. The smallest piece: 0.8″ H x 1.4″ W x 2.5″ D

Jose Canil Ramos was born on May 25, 1981 in Chichicastenango. He learned his craft from his father who used to carve masks and saints to sell at the Chichi market.  Jose now shares a workshop with his mother.

Africa, Cameroon

Small Clay Nativity

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This native Cameroon village is made of clay by artisan Alphonse Yenji (pronounced Yen-i). The clay is shaped, fired in a kiln, cooled, and then dipped into a dye from boiled eucalyptus tree bark to make the bronze patina.

The 10 pieces include: Mary, Joseph, Jesus in a manger, three wise men, two camels, one shepherd, and one sheep. The tallest figures are 8 inches high.

Alphonse Yenji is sponsored by the Presbyterian Handicraft Centre, known as Prescraft, a nonprofit organization that supports local craftspeople. Prescraft provides employment for close to 800 artisans, 40 percent of whom are women.

Asia, India, Nativities

Kashmiri Nativity

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This six-piece Kashmiri nativity is intricately hand painted in traditional Rajastani style on soapstone resin figures. Characteristic are the accents with metallic gold paint details. This nativity is created by members of Asha Handicrafts.

Asha Handicrafts is committed to preserving India’s diverse craft traditions. They ensure a fair wage for those who craft their remarkable handiwork. Any profits are directly channeled into tailor-made projects that meet the needs of artisans and their community.

A leading fair trade organization since 1975, Asha Handicrafts was begun with the mandate to “trade, train, and transform.” Even its name (asha means “hope” in Sanskrit) inspires a new, hopeful model for doing business. In addition to providing needed income through the sales, marketing, and export of handcrafted products, Asha is committed to the overall well-being of artisans.