Folk Art & Nativities
Ceramic nativity scene, 'Andean Christmas Carol'
Wearing traditional Andean clothing, a cherub plays a Christmas carol on the zampo�a (panpipes). Mary and Joseph appear as a young couple from the highlands as they gaze with love and awe at tiny baby Jesus.
Ceramic sculpture, 'Last Supper'
Eugenio Balcazar recreates Jesus' last meal with his disciples in distinct Andean fashion. He sculpts each personage of ceramic, dressing them in traditional costumes and painting them by hand. With this sculpture Balcazar manifests the Christian faith of the Peruvian people.
Ceramic nativity scene, 'Christmas with Jaguars' (set of 5)
Depicting the Holy Family from Peru's Amazonian Shipibo tribe, Eugenio Balcazar crafts a charming nativity scene. Mary and Joseph gaze lovingly at little Jesus while smiling jaguars snuggle and purr.
Ceramic nativity scene, 'Amazon Christmas' (set of 9)
The Mamani Family celebrates Christmas in the Amazon Valley, depicting the Holy Family as Shipibo people. Shepherds bear rainforest gifts. The Shipibo are a Panoan-speaking culture living near the headwaters of the Amazon.
Ceramic candleholder, 'Customs'
People in traditional dress surround a circular candleholder with their friendly presence. Trees and prickly pear cactus are interspersed with the diminutive characters in this delightful design.
Ceramic statuette, 'Flower Vendor'
Dressed demurely in colorful clothing, a young mother sells flowers to passersby. Her baby is tied to her back in a shawl; he peeks curiously over her shoulder. Emiliano Orellana depicts the woman in a beautifully detailed ceramic statuette.
Ceramic nativity figures, 'Angel and Three Kings' (set of 4)
In Mexico, nativity scenes played an important role in Christmas celebrations from colonial times on. Families usually added figures to the set each year. Working in ceramic, artisans from Mexico's Reintegrate Foundation create the Three Kings in brightly colored robes.
Ceramic sculpture, 'The Beautiful'
Graceful and beautiful, this sculpture is inspired by the Virgin Mary and symbolizes life and fertility.
Ceramic nativity scene, 'Shipibo Christmas' (9 pieces)
The Mamani Family celebrates Christmas in the Amazon Valley, depicting the Holy Family as Shipibo people. Shepherds bear rain forest gifts. The Shipibo are a Panoan-speaking culture living near the headwaters of the Amazon.
Chulucanas ceramic statuettes, 'Baby Birds' (set of 3)
Gazing toward the sky, three baby birds await their mother's return to the nest. Christian uses the ancient ceramic technique of Chulucanas for these figurines, polishing them with a river stone. They receive their dark coloration from the smoke of mango leaves.