icon hand Over $139.2 million USD sent to artisans so far!
icon giftbox Artisan Subscription Box icon hand Passport Club
icon cart icon close
Your cart is currently empty

You may also like

Scroll Left
Scroll Right

NOVICA Certified story card included

Scroll Left Scroll Right
Bestseller

10-piece Nativity Scene Hand-carved Wood from Guatemala, "Holy Gifts"

Product ID: 246692

With this inspiring nativity scene Jose Canil Ramos preserves a tradition that began in Guatemala on Christmas of 1649. Back then, Holy Brother Pedro... more

Quantity

In your cart

Details

With this inspiring nativity scene Jose Canil Ramos preserves a tradition that began in Guatemala on Christmas of 1649. Back then, Holy Brother Pedro de Betancourt set up a nativity scene he had brought with him from the Canary Islands in Tenerife. In Canil's original version, the Three Wise Men bring a pineapple, a watermelon and a chicken as gifts from Guatemala. Ramos carves each figurine by hand from pinewood that was weathered and dried during the summer months. The characters' florid robes are painted by hand, and they stand on brown wood bases. Archangel Gabriel's wings are detachable. Including the bed, ox and donkey, this nativity set features 10 pieces.

  • 0.90 kgs
  • 2.0 lbs
  • Largest piece: 25 cm H x 11 cm W x 5.5 cm D
  • Largest piece: 9.75" H x 4.3" W x 2.2" D
  • Smallest piece: 6 cm H x 3 cm W x 2.3 cm D
  • Smallest piece: 2.4" H x 1.2" W x 0.9" D

  • Pinewood
  • Hand-crafted item -- colour, size and/or motif may vary slightly
  • Made in Guatemala
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Guatemalaicon info
  • Product ID: 246692
  • Price includes VAT.
  • We will also cover duty and any import fees for items shipped from outside the United Kingdom.
Jose Canil Ramos
Jose Canil Ramos

Central America

Wood sculptures

View full collection

Cause Badges

Confronting Adversity Confronting Adversity
Microcredit Financing Microcredit Financing
Preserving Traditions Preserving Traditions

Plus 2 more badges

Related Items

Scroll Left
Scroll Right

Customer Reviews

Purchased this? Leave your review.

Artist rating

Total reviews

170

Jillanne

Verified Reviewer

Nov 01, 2024

“Deeply moving moment”

When I saw this on Novica, I felt tears well up. I am old and I have looked all over for, many different interpretations of, the nativity. Of all of those, this one touched me the most. Thank you.

Contemplative but joyful moments

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Sonia LR

From Florida

Verified Reviewer

Apr 07, 2022

“Love Canil Ramos nativities”

This is my second purchase from this artist. The pieces are very detailed. Love the colors.

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Floyd

Verified Reviewer

Feb 15, 2019

“A Cherished heirloom”

We

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Nancy

Verified Reviewer

Apr 07, 2025

“Love it!”

My kitchen has a lemon and chicken theme. This mask is well made and I love the cheerful artistry. The kids know to rub the beak for good luck!

Purchased Item Maya Rooster, Handcrafted Wood Mask

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Atticus

Verified Reviewer

Mar 16, 2025

“Virgen de Guadalupe”

Beautifully carved and painted as all of JOCARA s works.

Purchased Item Queen of Guadalupe, Handcrafted Floral Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinewood Sculpture

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Sheila

From Portage, MI

Verified Reviewer

Jan 07, 2025

“Skeleton Nativity”

I found the concept of a skeleton nativity rather bizarre at first. A couple of conversations concerning “thin places,” where life and death, present reality and the spiritual life intersect, brought me to a different understanding. The pieces are beautifully painted.

Purchased Item Holy Skeletal Night, Rustic Style Pinewood Hand Crafted Nativity Scene (Set of 9)

Was This Review Helpful?

icon like Yes (0) No (0)

Your Purchase Makes a Difference!

Confronting Adversity

Confronting Adversity

Jose suffers from a rare facial nerve paralysis and is currently treating the condition with physical therapy.

Microcredit Financing

Microcredit Financing

Jose Canil Ramos has received 7 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $250 and the most recent for $2100. Proceeds were used to invest in wood, saws, paints, and sandpaper for production.

Preserving Traditions

Preserving Traditions

Jose is a very talented wood carver. He first learned when he was just ten years old from his father. This art has been passed down for generations and Jose plans to continue the tradition and teach his son how to carve.

Moving On Up

Moving On Up

Jose's work helps generate employment opportunities for those in his community. With the sales from NOVICA, he can employ other artisans and help change the lives of his workers.

Job Creator

Job Creator

Jose hires several people in his community which provides them with a stable income for supporting their families.

Customer & Stylist Suggestions

Meet the Artist

Jose Canil Ramos Wood sculptures

(170)

"Most of the time I work with the idea of something, rather than with its photo, because I feel it hampers my inspiration and then I'm not happy with the final product."

"I was born on May 25, 1981 in Chichicastenango and I learnt my craft from my father. He used to carve masks and saints to sell at the Chichi... read more

Wood sculpture, French Bulldog Zoom icon
133.99
Wood cross, Christs Sacrifice Zoom icon
122.99
Wood sculpture, Wise Angel Zoom icon
115.99
Wood wall mask, Mayan King Zoom icon
88.99
Wood wall sculpture, Dancing Floral Skeleton Zoom icon
70.99
Wood mask, Skeleton King Zoom icon
79.99
Wood nativity scene, Calaveras (9 pieces) Zoom icon
122.99
Rustic wood nativity scene, Holy Skeletal Night (set of 9) Zoom icon
93.99
View all
Scroll Left
Scroll Right
icon up