The figures in this nativity are made from wire frames wrapped with banana fiber and then dressed in traditional Kitenge fabric in shades of red. The scene contains 10 figures: Joseph, Mary, Jesus, two shepherds, two sheep, and three wise men kneeling with their gifts.
This handmade nativity set is handcrafted out of banana fiber by artisans in Kenya. The banana fiber is first dried, then a light varnish applied. Then the dried and varnishes fibers are cut into thin strips which are used to create the figures.
Mary and Joseph comfort baby Jesus in this kisii stone nativity. An angel worships from the left while animals look on from the right. The magi appear in the distance, following the star which appears above Jesus. This beautifully carved relief is made out of ]Kisii soapstone. This stone which is found only in Kenya is a soft stone, easy to carve into many forms. Its satiny finish is achieved through multiple stages of sanding, followed by waxing.
Ethiopian traveling Icon of Mother and Child with two guarding angels.
This traveling Icon depicts Mary with Jesus seated on her lap. Angels stand guard on either side of Mother and Child.
This nativity is made using the ancient lost wax method of casting bronze. Originating in the Middle East in the ninth century, lost wax is one of the first known methods of working with molten metal. The artisan sculpts wax, then coats it with clay and allows it to dry. Molten bronze is poured into the mold, melting the wax and allowing liquid bronze to fill the shape. After the metal cools, the artisan breaks the clay, revealing a one-of-a-kind figure.
In this tender representation of the Holy Family Mary is rocking the Baby Jesus in his crib. Joseph, holding on to his staff is lovingly watching over Mary and Jesus.
This nativity set was created by artisans in Burkina Faso. They use old nuts, bolts, and pieces of scrap metal to give the traditional Christmas scene a rather modern appearance.
