Category Archives: Africa

Kisii Nativity Relief

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.

Kisii Nativity
Kisii Nativity
Kisii Nativity
Kisii Nativity
Kisii Nativity
Kisii Nativity

Desert Holy Family

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.