Category Archives: North America

Nativities, New Mexico, North America, USA

Rustic Holy Family

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This rustic Holy Family which depicts Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child in a stable was carved by Hector Rascon. The simplicity of design and material highlight the fact that the Christ Child was born in poverty to a humble family.

Hector Rascon learned the art of carving from his father-in-law, and famous artist, Ben Ortega. Hector is perhaps best known for his carvings of St. Francis and angels which grace so many homes and gardens in Northern NM.

Hector carves his pieces from cottonwood and follows the natural gentle bends in the wood. Each piece reflects its own personality and character dictated by the wood and the subject matter. Hector is one of Northern New Mexico’s most recognized folk artists. “This is my full-time work and I’m very proud of what I do. I love to carve and give every piece my full attention.”

Nativities, New Mexico, North America, USA

Nambé Nativity

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This 13-piece Nativity, designed by Alvaro Uribe is crafted in lustrous Nambé Alloy and rich acacia wood. With heads bowed, Mary and Joseph gaze affectionately at baby Jesus lying in his manger in front of a beautifully arched crèche of carved acacia wood. Onlookers include an angel, the three magi and their camel, a shepherd with sheep, and an ox and donkey. The dimensions are: Crèche: 6.5”H, Joseph: 5.5”H, Mary: 4”H, Baby Jesus: 2”W x 1.5”H, Angel: 1.5”W x 5”H, Wise Man 1: 1.5” W x 4” H, Wise Man 2: 1.5” W x 4.5” H, Wise Man 3: 1.5” W x 4.5” H, Shepherd: 2” W x 4.5” H, Lamb: 2” L x 1” H, Donkey: 3.5” L x 3” H, Camel: 4” L x 4” H, Ox: 4” L x 2” H.

Mexico, Nativities, North America

“Awestruck” Nativity

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This charming nativity by Alicia Urdaneta is made of papier mache, Mary, Joseph, and a holy angel gather around baby Jesus in a manger. Hand-painted designs accentuate each piece. The tallest figure is 7.25″ H x 3.9″ W x 2.8″ D, The smallest figure is 3.1″ H x 1″ W x 1″ D.

Alicia Urdaneta is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. She currently lives in Mexico where she works with 20 families of artisans.

Haiti, North America

Painted Metal Nativity

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Artists in Haiti use 55 gallon metal drums to create fun and colorful works of art. This nativity was cut out of flattened metal and formed into the desired shapes. Then each one of the figures was painted in very colorful tones.

The nonprofit Comité Artisanal Haitien (CAH) was founded in 1973 to help rural craftspeople sell their wares in Port–au–Prince.
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Haiti, Nativities, North America

Clay Nativity in a Coconut Hut

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This charming Nativity has 14 figures that are made out of clay and  hand-painted. Several towns people were added to the usual figures that populate the Nativity . The stable is made out of a real coconut shell.


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Mexico, Nativities, North America, Oaxaca

Santiago Nativity

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This is a charming nativity set was carved and painted by Alberto Perez in La Union, Oaxaca. This is a unique and lovely piece of Mexican folk art. The wood that was used is copal which is native to Oaxaca. Alberto uses a machete to do the carving. The aniline paint colors are bright and well coordinated. The carving is elegantly simple and the painting, bright and colorful. There are 10 pieces.