Each artisan creates very personal interpretations of the nativity and the characters comprising this traditional scene - typically Mary and Joseph, the Christ Child in a manger, the three Wise Men, and various animals. Featured nativity scenes reflect their countries of origin in their materials and techniques, and range in size from 2" miniatures to sculptural pieces up to 3' high.
The custom of centering a portion of the Christmas celebration around nativity scenes was transported to the Americas by the Spaniards in the sixteen the century. Today, the annual unpacking and arranging of often large and elaborate nativities is an important event for many Latin American families. A weaving of customs is evident in much of the work on display, a mix of pre-Columbian and European traditions.
Examples from Mexico include woodcarvings, nativities created from corn husks, and black and brown ware clay miniatures no larger than one's thumb. On an even smaller scale, some nativity scenes are created inside painted walnut shells. Self-contained, collapsible tin nativity sets, as well as large wooden folding retablos, several smaller scenes placed in decoratively painted boxes and others made from lead and cut and painted tin are also on view from Mexico. Examples of works from outside Mexico are hand-painted wooden triptychs from El Salvador.
The renowned Aguilar family and Dolores Porras are represented with their ceramics. Clay ware from Tlaquepaque and Tonala (realistic European style), San Bartolo, Coyotepec (black pottery), and Tzintzuntzan (beige and balck pottery) are also offered.
The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue, minutes walking distance from the Gold Line's Del Mar Station and right near the heart of Old Town Pasadena. The Folk Tree Collection is a few doors north at 199 South Fair Oaks Avenue and concurrently presents the exhibition ORNAMENTS & ADORNMENTS. Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information AND FOR EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS IN DECEMBER, contact Kathi Oshima at The Folk Tree at 626/795-7633, or Gail Mishkin at The Folk Tree Collection at 626/793-4828.
