bird theme

This wonderful tree skirt is crafted in the folk art technique known as arpilleria, which is a three-dimensional applique. Leonor Quispe in Peru crafts the colorful tree skirt, which depicts the three Wise Men on their journey to witness the holy birth.

Working in the tradition of arpillería applique, Peruvian artisan Leonor Quispe creates this fantastic cotton blend tree skirt for the holiday season. An Andean landscape is the setting for this traditional nativity, complete with Santa Claus and his reindeer flying through the mountain air.

Arpillería or patchwork is a traditional handicraft technique very popular in Peru that artisan Leonor Quispe uses to craft by hand this splendid Christmas tree skirt from a cotton blend. The skirt features colorful Andean motifs with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus greeted by the Three Wise Men as well as holiday icons like Santa and his reindeer. All figures are crafted separately in three dimensions, embroidered and meticulously attached to the background fabric which is topped by tassels in red and green.

Alejandro Chavez crafts a mirror frame rooted in Andean tradition with four different vignettes. At the top, Andean shepherds serenade the Holy Family beneath the stars on the very first Christmas. To the left and right, a llama and a cow rest outdoors. Along the bottom are three bright flowers. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. The Peruvian artisan carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand to surround a heart-shaped looking glass.

A condor spreads protective wings over the Holy Family in a Peruvian figurine. The Andean bird is revered in South America and the Inca considered it a guide. Guillermo and Eduardo celebrate Christmas with this charming one-piece ceramic nativity scene. "Both the birth of Jesus and the condor symbolize majesty and love," the artisans confide.

Rising majestically from a circular stone terrace complete with a charming stairway, this spectacular ceramic nativity scene transforms a golden Andean church into a theatrical stage for the Christmas story. The Holy Family, draped in vibrant traditional Andean textiles, is surrounded by a full cast of shepherds and gentle sheep, all gathered beneath the watchful presence of twin bell towers crowned with rustic roofs and a peaceful dove. Dionisio Rojas creates this handcrafted and painted creche where every element dazzles with detail, from the terracotta tile balcony and textured adobe walls to the flourishing cacti and the weathered stonework that frames this sacred gathering. This folk art masterpiece brilliantly merges the timeless nativity narrative with the architectural splendor and cultural richness of Peru's highlands, creating an unforgettable centerpiece that celebrates faith, heritage and artisan craftsmanship in one stunning sculptural display.

Under a brilliant cobalt sky studded with golden stars, the nativity unfolds in a scene of pure Andean enchantment, with celestial doves perching on a rustic thatched roof. Mary and Joseph, draped in traditional textiles, watch the Christ child while shepherds gather close, their vibrant Andean garments a testament to Peru's rich cultural tapestry. Created by Dionisio Rojas and brought to life through expert hand-crafting and painting, this ceramic folk art creche transforms the humble stable into a highland sanctuary flanked by charming cacti and watchful white doves. The cascade of stars flowing from heaven to earth, the gentle sheep and the meticulously detailed figures create a joyful fusion of sacred tradition and Peruvian artistry that celebrates both the universal story of Christmas and the distinctive beauty of the Andes.