Tonga

This Nativity was purchased for me by Sione Fa. Sione is married to Britni Figueroa who grew up down the street from us on 71st Street. I don't remember the circumstances as to why I asked him, but I know that I asked him if he was going to be going to Tonga anytime soon and if he would mind getting me a nativity. Can you imagine doing that? For some reason I have the boldness to ask people if they will buy me sets when they travel to countries that I do not have a set from, and he was kind enough to say yes. Sione had been on the TV show, "The Biggest Loser." He did really well but did not win. His popularity was really good though, and the prince of Tonga wanted to meet with him, and that was the reason he was going to Tonga. Somehow he had time to buy this beautiful set for me. It is all contained in the box covered in tapa cloth. Each character is dressed in the same cloth. The wise men are bearing gifts of South Sea pearls and shells. It is so darling and authentic. 

(L09.B155.R031)

This might be a fun place to add this story: I like to think I have a pretty high standard for buying sets. I want them to be of a reverent nature. The main characters should not be represented by animals, though there can and should be native animals in the scenes. Years ago I asked a friend that was going to Australia if they might pick up a nativity from Australia for me. I gave them the criteria: "reverent in nature, no animals depicting people, can contain native animals, and the people can look indigenous." I was willing to spend $100, but only more if their judgement was that it was so unique and the opportunity was right. Very specific, right? I would think that if one is willing to go out of their way to shop, purchase, and carry a good size heavy box half way across the world, their standard would be just as specific. My friend got home from their trip and called me all excited about getting a set for me. They were kind of giddy about it. I must say this friend was well into their 80s, a lifelong member of the church and was an art collector to boot. Months later, I made the arrangement to meet at their house and pick up the new treasure. When I arrived, they were excited to see my reaction when they brought out the nativity. Every single character was depicted by a kangaroo. It was so disappointing. Turned out they thought they were being fun. I paid them the money I agree to and took the set home. ($80.) I was so sad and felt I had been mocked for the years of love and devotion I had put into my passion.  Several years later, this person came to me and said, "Susan, I am so embarrassed about the nativity we bought you." What do you think the moral of this story is? Here pictured is the angel only.