Treasures From Around The World

Collecting nativity sets has become a passion for me

. Some countries are harder to find them then others, especially if we travel in the spring or summer. Some European countries are very hard to find the representatives of the first Christmas, South American countries are easier.

This collection started when we helped to pay the way for our daughters friend to work in an orphanage in Ecuador. She brought us home a beautifully hand carved exotic hardwood nativity, the figures were complete with native dress and local features of the people. I loved this gift and every Christmas would look forward to putting it in a place of honor on our piano. A couple of years later we had the opportunity to visit Guatemala and I looked for a companion to our first South American nativity. We found another one carved from exotic wood in a little village down on the coast. I loved the hand work, I love how each culture places themselves in the figures.

I was able to buy a nativity made of banana leaves wrapped around a thin wire structure hand made in Africa. The figures are black and thin and intricate. I love these pieces, and pictures women sitting around together talking and supporting each other as their hands busily form the Mother, Father and Sleeping Baby.

I love the carvings made form exotic woods found exclusively or at least native to the lands we buy them from. Another favorite nativity set is one that friends brought us back from Jerusalem hand carved from olive wood native to the area. It is beautiful. No paint, no cloth, just the figures carved from the stripped olive wood. What better reminder of the first Christmas than a nativity set originating from the Holy Lands themselves.

When in Germany last year I was able to buy a small nativity with the candles that rotate above them. This too was carved out of some sort of exotic hardwood, I don't know the name of these pieces but they are very German in origin and remind me of an amazing trip. The world is full of cultures, lands and people, I love to have a reminder of our amazing voyages to visit them.

by: Art Gib

POST COMMENT

Size Doesn't Matter How to Get Good Mark in Physics Take Good Care of Your Own Prescription Glasses Hand Massage: Relieve Cramps Faster Go On, Pay the Guy! Good Psoriasis Remedy Sound Machines For Your Sanity Choosing The Perfect Antique Tub Faucets What You Should Consider in Choosing a Mini Stepper Flooring Made For Wet Places - Check Out Slate Tile Flooring How To File A Qui Tam Case Phallosan results - Straighten your curved member Keep Those Gutters Clean