Short-body Holy Family
Made out of painted clay, this highly stylized Nativity features Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus in a manger.
Short-body Holy Family
Category Archives: South America
Shell Nativity
This Nativity is known in Guatemala as a “Shell Nativity” due to the shape and the scalloped edges of the grotto. An Angel hovers over the Holy Family which is surrounded by an ox, donkey and a sheep.
Gourd Retablo
This retablo depicting the Nativity was created in a hallowed out gourd. Surrounding the Holy Family are the three Magi, an ox and donkey.
Large Gourd Nativity
This nativity was made using one of oldest and most traditional example of Peruvian handicraft. Each gourd is selected to match the figure it is to represent: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, ox, donkey.
Born in a Canoe
This nativity depicts the Holy Family in a traditional reed canoe, known as a caballito de totora. The sacks in the canoe are intended as offerings to the land. The figures are hand-molded in clay, painted and fired.
This Holy Family was created by Alberto Aparicio Canchari. Alberto was born in Ayacucho in 1965. He is a dedicated ceramist, inspired by the customs and beliefs of Andean villages.
Cumbaya Holy Family
This Holy Family was created by the Adianto Ceramics Workshop in Cumbaya, Ecuador. Mary and Joseph wear traditional Ecuadorian clothing .
Nativity Tree
This bas-relief nativity is shaped as a Christmas tree. All figures are carved into the wood and then hand-painted using bright primary colors. The paint is lacquered to protect it.
Iguassu Holy Family
This wonderful rendition of the Holy Family was bought in the shadows of the Iguassu Falls in Argentina. It was made by local artisans.
Brown Clay Holy Family
This rendition of the brown glazed Holy Family is charming and disarming in its simplicity. The closeness between Mary, Jesus and Joseph is emphasized by shaping them out of one mold.
Carved Gourd Nativity
Though one might have the impression this nativity has been painted on a gourd, rather the design has been burnt and etched into a gourd. Gathered around the Christ Child are Mary, Joseph, ox and donkey. A light from heaven envelops Jesus. The Magi approach the Holy Family offering their gifts..
