Italy

This Nativity from Italy is made to look like a wood carving but is a resin relief and is just as darling. Just look at that little shepherd boy kissing the hand. The Baby Jesus. So precious. I believe it is by Anri.

(l09.B.R021.)

 

Mexico

 Papier Mache' Nativity from Mexico.  Donated to Mesa Temple Visitors' Center Collection.

Peru

This is a fun Nativity from Peru. All of the characters seem to have the same expression on their face even the cow and lamb. The are pretty simple and cute. (L09.B65.R04)
 

Ghana

 

There is an amazing resource of nativities from Asia, South America and Africa, and it is World Nativity. I have bought dozens of nativities from them. The following is from their website and is about the nativity pictured above:

"This nativity was designed by Joana Lekia Nelson, a former art teacher in Accra, Ghana. Joana used her design talents to combine traditional costumes and unique African fabrics into her doll nativity sets. Each set she makes is handmade using local fabrics, paint, wood, cardboard and various other recycled items." 

This set was sewn by teenage girls. Joana teaches girls how to sew, then they learn a skill and can create an income with that skill by opening their own shops. The picture above is from the world nativity web site. I purchased this set and it is just as pictured. (L09.B26.R57.)

Unsure

This set has such an interesting history. I bought it on eBay. I think the seller said that it was from Mexico, but I'm not sure. When it arrived, it was in multiple broken pieces. (I have a picture of it broken somewhere but I can't find it. When I find it I will delete this part and add the picture.) I was able to repair the tree and glue it all back together using super glue and the powder and liquid that is used to make acrylic nails. I repainted it, and you could hardly tell that it was damaged. I wish I could find the pictures. The tree came with a 10 piece nativity. Each item has a perch or a place to hang the ornament.  Donated to Mesa Temple Visitors' Center Collection.

Madagascar

 

Small set from Madagascar.  All hand carved from a very hard wood. (L09.B129.R57.)

Mexico

 Small orange set from Mexico. Donated to Mesa Temple Visitors' Center Collection.

Peru

 

Hand knitted finger puppets. Mary is holding a tiny Baby Jesus. She has the red headdress. Joseph is bald, the sheep is sticking out his tongue, and the cow has an udder. The details are so funny. 

Donated to the Mesa Temple Visitors' Center Collection. 

Mexico

 

Who doesn't love a Mariachi band? I love this set, and the Mariachi band serenading the Holy Family is such a sweet thing. I found this in Old Town San Diego at a specialty shop. These would also be considered Mud People. (L09B21.R05.)

El Salvador

Such a beautiful example of the work that comes from El Salvador. I love the bright and vivid colors. I bought this triptych (a three panel piece) in Jerome, Arizona. On that trip I bought several sets. 

(L10.B999.R03.)

 

USA

This framed counted cross-stitch I purchased on eBay. 

(L09.B.R04.) 

Pictured below in a different light.

Germany

This scene is hand carved from wood. On the right side a small hole was drilled. I imagine that at one time there was a dowel placed there with a star on the top. Someday I would like to replace it. On the left side is a wooden candle holder. It doesn't seem like a wise idea to put a burning candle in a wooden holder, but as I think about it, I guess that happened a lot. I purchased it as vintage piece. It is marked Germany. 

(L09.B101.R08.)

USA, Minnesota

This is one of the exceptions to my no cartoon character rules. Charlie Brown and Peanuts is such a beloved comic strip. He was created by Charles Schultz. Charles Schultz was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and died in Santa Rosa, California. The following is from Wikiipedia:

"The strip's original run extended from 1950 to 2000, and continuing in reruns afterward. Peanuts is among the most popular and influential in the history of comic strips, with 17,897 strips published in all, making it 'arguably the longest story ever told by one human being.' At the time of Schulz's death in 2000, Peanuts ran in over 2,600 newspapers, with a readership of around 355 million in 75 countries, and was translated into 21 languages. 

Peanuts focuses entirely on a social circle of young children, where adults exist but are never seen and rarely heard." 

The comic strip was always a moral one. It seemed that not only was humor a standard, but a moral was also always suggested. This Christmas scene was purchased with love for a fun and sentimental character. Made by Lenox. 

(L10.B999.R003.)

Bangladesh

I will have to find a better picture of this set. It is really cute cut from brass sheets and soldered together. It also has details of glass beading. (L09.B.R02.)

Germany

 

Berta Hummel Goebel nativity. From the Goebel website:

"The story begins on January 30th, 1871 with Franz Detleff and William Goebel, the founders of the company. They establish a factory "dedicated to the senses" (which later becomes a company slogan). William Goebel and his father Franz Detleff found "F. & W. Goebel". The first porcelain factory (which was later called "Wilhelmsfeld") opens in 1878 in Oeslau-Rodental near Coburg...

1935 Grandson Franz Goebel also proves to be a man of vision. An exclusive agreement with Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel and the Convent of Siessen grants Goebel the exclusive right to adapt the artist's drawings into three-dimensional porcelain figurines. The famous Hummel figurines are born and become a "million seller" in America. For many years Goebel has been know as the Hummelwerk". 

This sweet set has more figurines that are not pictured. It is a favorite of mine and needs to get unpacked soon. (L09.B56.R051.) 

This tiny Hummel stands not more than 2" tall. I have it displayed year round. I love that the little boy is playing with a nativity. 

(L10.B999.R03.)

Bulgaria

This one piece set from Bulgaria appears to be made from red clay and is all hand sculpted and glazed. It has very primitive but sweet details. 

(L10.B999.R05)

Kenya

 Carved soap stone, Kenya. 

(L09.B109.R03.)

Kenya

 One piece carved unpolished soap stone. 

(L09.B61.R04.) 

United Kingdom, London England

This set is from London, England. It is a larger set. The tallest person is about 10". I love their faces. Each person looks a little older than might normally be portrayed. (L09.B1-8.R002.) 

Nepal, Tibet

Wool felt Nativity from Tibet. 

(L01.B999.R04.)

 

China

Hand carved from tagua nut or fruit ivory depending on where it is from. From Wikipedia:

"Tagua nut is a product made from a very hard white endosperm of the seeds of certain palm trees. Vegetable ivory is named for its resemblance to animal ivory. The seeds of the Caroline ivory-nut palm from the Caroline Islands, natangura palm from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and the real fan palm, from Sub-Saharan Africa, are also used to produce vegetable ivory. A tagua palm can take up to 15 years to mature, but once it gets to this stage it can go on producing vegetable ivory for up to 100 years. In any given year a tagua palm can produce up to 20 pounds of vegetable ivory."

(L09.B137.R001.) 

Scotland

 Small resin set from Scotland.  (L09.B.R02.)

USA, New York

 Small porcelain Nativity offered by Avon. 

(L09B.R051.)

Spain

Little mud people from Spain. Hand painted on red terra cotta, a traditional set from Spain. (L09.B25.R06.)

Israel

I found this Nativity in a Salvation Army thrift store in Kingman, Arizona. Chantal and Brian were living there at the time and I was visiting. I have found so many Nativities while visiting Chantal as thrifting is one of our favorite past times. The backdrop of this one is a section of a branch, the area the scene sits in is carved out, and the bark of the wood is visible from the reverse side. Donated to Mesa Temple Visitors' Center Collection.

USA, New Mexico

Tiny original painting. The painting is only about the size of a postage stamp but so very detailed. 

(L10.B999.R04.)

Ukraine

Goose egg from Ukraine. Goose eggs are larger than chicken eggs. The shell is a little thicker, and very small details can be etched into the surface. The egg is first blown out, then the shell is dyed with vegetable dye. Small areas of the shell that were previously drilled out to evacuate the egg are now shaped into areas of the lacy pattern. Beautiful Madonna and Child. 

(L10.B999.R001.)

Republic of China, Taiwan

Tiny Nativity from Taiwan is painted on grains of rice. Each year this nativity has been displayed at the Visitors' Center, it seems to be a scene stealer. Everyone looks for the Nativity painted on grains of rice. 

Donated to the Mesa Temple Visitors' Center Collection. 

USA, Oklahoma

I have in my notes that this set is from Oklahoma City.  I'm sad that I don't know more about this set and how I know that it is from Oklahoma City. It is laser cut. (L09.B.R05.)

Mexico

This set is so tiny, the people are maybe 1.5". I love the detail and the pastel colors.  The lamb and donkey are very traditional shapes seen in Nativities from Mexico, and Mary and Joseph are more unusual shapes. The backdrop is a Christmas ornament I bought at a garage sale at my friend’s house. That story is kind of bittersweet. My friend had broken her back while getting an MRI; I know it's confusing. She had been so sick and in so much pain and was unable to sit and walk; and long story short, she moved to a group home. She asked to have her house clear out after her children had gotten all of the important things they needed. This ornament is something I bought there. Well, eventually my friend got better! She is walking and doing well. I asked how she was feeling about all her things being gone, and I was told that she was so worried about having to go through everything and was so relieved to not have to worry that the lifted burden may have helped her to recover. What a good attitude. I hope I can be as gracious. 

(L10.B999.R03.)

State of Palestine, Bethlehem

This Nativity is carved from abalone shell and is labeled Bethlehem. For years I have labeled it as being from Israel. I am now finding out how much I don't know about countries and states. Bethlehem is in the country of the State of Palestine and is considered a trade town closely associated with Israel.

 (L01.B999.R05.)

France

 These plates are made to look like stained glass and depict the stages of the Nativity. 

(L09.B31.R051.)

India

This batik measure 16" x 20". It is so bright and fun. It is not a complete nativity but it is about the shepherd, their sheep, an angel and the nativity star. I love how angry the sheep looks. I don't know why he is angry but it is cute. 

(L09.B.R001.) 

 

USA, Missouri

I remember the first time I saw a Precious Moments figurine. I was in Tower Plaza Mall in Phoenix; I was a teenager, I picked up a figurine and I said, "Oh, that is precious." Quite quickly I noticed a sign that said, "do not touch" then a sign that said, "Precious Moments." No kidding, they are precious. I wish I had room to display all of my Nativities but I just don't. I made the little cave to go with the set. The company is located in Carthage, Missouri  (L09.B144.R052.)