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 a diversity of media and techniques. We are offering a great variety, with scenes ranging 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, both those on view and live re-enactments, was transported to Latin America by the Spaniards in the sixteenth 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 Oaxáca, 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 Mexican nativity scenes are created inside painted walnut shells. Also from Oaxáca are self-contained, collapsible tin nativity sets, as well as large wooden folding retablos, and several smaller scenes placed in decoratively painted boxes. Still others are made from lead and cut and painted tin.
Renowned ceramists Josefina Aguilar and Dolores Porras are represented, as well as pieces from Tlaquepaque and Tonala (realistic European style), San Bartolo, Coyotepec (black pottery), and Tzintzuntzan (beige and balck pottery).
The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue (just fifteen minutes from downtown Los Angeles off the end of the 110 freeway). The Folk Tree Collection is a few doors north at 199 South Fair Oaks Avenue. 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.
