This two-piece Holy Family was hand-carved out of polished palewa stone, a type of Indian soapstone. Mary is holding the baby Jesus while Joseph is represented in adoration.
Category Archives: Asia
Dotted Benares Nativity
This colorful nativity is hand-carved out of wood harvested from mango trees. The distinctive dotted pattern of paint is typical for Benares, India.
Multi-Wood Abstract Nativity
This uniquely shaped Holy Family and three Magi was made using different types of wood.
Papier-Maché Holy Family
The three figures of the Holy Family were created in Papier-Maché. They were painted in gleaming colors and lacquered.
Fold-up Nativity
Whitewashed Terra Cotta Nativity
Set in an elaborate stable with a three teared decorative roof topped by a bird this nativity is made out of terra cotta which is then whitewashed to give the figure a distinctive appearance.
Alstonia Nativity
This nativity was carved from Alstonia also known as Devil Tree, a tropical tree native to Indonesia, among other countries. The eight figures have a contemporary appearance with simple ornamentation in muted tones.
Japanese Holy Family
Sinamay Nativity
This holy family is made from sinamay, a woven fiber using the stripped fiber of the abaca tree. Artisans weave the fine strands of fibers into fabrics with a wooden loom. The result is this very delicate almost etherial representations of the holy family.
Coconut Nativity
This nativity scene is created using a decorated coconut shell. The figures of Mary, Joseph and Jesus as well as the palm trees that are inserted into the shell are cut out of the same shell.