Nativities from Gourds – Peru

Creating nativities is a big industry in Peru. Artists works in clay, wood, fabrics, and all manner of materials. Some of the most intriguing artwork uses gourds. Typically, the outside of the gourd is etched or wood-burned and colored, and that may be the only decoration. More often, a side of the gourd is cut open, and figures are placed inside the hollow gourd.

Gourds are grown everywhere, so gourds are used in artwork from many countries other than Peru. We also have gourds in our collection from Kenya and Ghana.

This is a description from the WorldNativity.com of how some gourds in Peru are prepared: “Gourds are available in a variety of sizes, so artisans usually contract with growers for a certain approximate size in the sowing season, October. After harvesting, the gourds are sun-dried for about six months so they are ready to be worked the following June. A pipe, made from hollow eucalyptus branches, is put in a fire. The artesano then blows air through the hot pipe to scorch the gourd, creating beautiful patinas on the outer surface. Later, the gourd is intricately carved using typical woodworking tools.”

Grotesque Nativity – Peru

The Grotesque Nativity from Peru is one of the more intriguing items in our collection. The set has our favorite camels. If a nativity camel ever looked it could spit (as real camels do), these are the one!

“Grotesque” means “odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre.” This set seems to meet that definition in several ways. While many nativity sets are polished and refined expressions of our Savior’s birth, this artist chose to leave the clay natural and rough to the eye and touch. The artist created finely detailed figures but left the tool marks from shaping the figures and decorations plain to define the style of the pieces. The people have oversized features, especially feet and hands, that create a fantastical feel to the characters.

We always like nativities where the characters have realistic emotions and body language. Every face here is individual, with expressions of wonder, exertion, and maybe even discomfort. The body positions are not conventionally posed but are in motion. The wise men are riding side-saddle which allows for a good presentation of the kings’ dress and gifts, but perhaps this was the least uncomfortable position after weeks of travel on a cranky camel!

Origin	Peru
Material	Clay
Dimensions	Height of tallest piece: 8″
Purchase Date	2005
Number of Pieces	12