We are always amazed at the variety of materials that artists use to create their creche artwork. This set is made of “crin,” hair from a horse’s mane and tail. This work features Mary holding baby Jesus while riding on a donkey, with Joseph walking beside.
Crin weaving dates back for over 200 years in the rural regions of Chile. It’s traditionally passed down from mother to daughter, some women having practiced the artform for more than 70 years. Every step of the process is done by hand. The hair is hand-washed, bleached, and sometimes dyed before it’s ready to be woven into the final product – nativity figures, flowers, dolls, insects, and small baskets as well as various exquisite home goods. Even the smallest of items takes hours weave.
| Origin | Chile |
| Material | Crin (Hair from a horse’s mane or tail) |
| Height | 4″ |
| Purchase Date | 2014 |
| Purchase Location | Sante Fe International Folk Art Festival, New Mexico |
The Garding Family Nativity Collection 