Category Archives: By Continent

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

Alessi Presepe

This colorful and playful nativity was designed by Massimo Giacon for Alessi, an Italian Design Company started by the Alessi family in 1921.

Born in Padua, Italy, in 1961, Massimo Giacon is a comic-strip artist and illustrator, a leading light in the renewal of Italian comic, he divides his time as a graphic artist, designer, musician and artist.

This nativity was made in Italian porcelain and hand painted.

Of great interest is the depiction of the magi. They playfully illustrate the belief promoted by  the Venerable Bede (d. 735) that the Magi or wise men represented the three parts of the world known to him: Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Painted Steel Drum Nativity

This nativity is created using metal from recycled steal oil drums. After visualizing a design, the artist chalks his design onto the flattened metal and then, using only a hammer and chisel, gives it form and dimension. Then the nativity is painted and given an enamel coating.

This nativity depicts the moment the magi present their gifts to the Christ Child. Mary is kneeling down in adoration. Joseph stands behind Mary flanked by the ox and donkey.

Painted Steel Drum Nativity
Painted Steel Drum Nativity