Description
Instead of the familiar ox and donkey, two long-haired Suri alpacas keep watch over Baby Jesus. Native to the Andes, alpacas have been an important part of Peruvian life for centuries, valued especially for their fleece. Suri alpacas are distinguished by their long, silky locks of fleece, beautifully represented in the textured ceramic figures.
Mary and Joseph wear clothing inspired by the traditional dress of Peru's highland communities. Mary wears a colorful, full skirt and a broad-brimmed hat, while Joseph sports a wide-brimmed hat and rural Peruvian attire. Both Mary and Joseph's hats are removable, and Baby Jesus can be removed from the manger.
This fair trade nativity was designed by ceramic artist Eduardo Gonza and created in his workshop in Arequipa, Peru. Each ceramic piece is molded, fired, carefully smoothed and painted by hand. Joseph measures approximately 3 inches tall.
