hand carved

Surrounded by an array of flowers, rays of light burst in a halo about the Virgin Mary. Alejandro Chávez shows her expression of loving concern for her son, Jesus, and for mankind. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand.

This handcrafted wall mirror by Alejandro Chavez is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that seamlessly blends the artistic traditions of Ayacucho, Peru, with contemporary decorative elements. Its wooden frame, meticulously hand-carved and painted, bursts with vibrant colors and delicate floral designs that elegantly frame the central composition. At its heart lies the mirror itself, radiating light and adding visual depth while reflecting not only its surroundings but also the profound cultural and spiritual connection of the Andean people to their heritage. Surrounding the mirror, intricately hand-molded and painted ceramic figurines bring to life everyday and festive scenes from rural Andean life: farmers working the land, musicians playing traditional instruments and dancers dressed in vivid regional attire. Adding further dimension, the piece prominently features a nativity scene and a depiction of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, each rendered with exquisite detail and reverence.

Francis Agbete sets the birth of Jesus in an African palm house. Carved by hand from kapok wood, this charming nativity scene depicts the Holy Family in traditional Ghanaian dress. The Three Kings bring gifts to the Christ child, accompanied by a messenger and a farmer.

Francis Agbete sets the first Christmas in a traditional African palm house. Carved by hand from ceiba, or kapok wood, this charming nativity scene depicts the Holy Family in traditional Ghanaian dress. The Three Kings bring gifts to the Christ child, and animals snuggle close to the manger to keep the baby warm.