The Star That Was No Star
Unknown Artist
Mexico

First impressions may be treacherous. Granted, these figures are clumsily crafted and crudely painted. Joseph looks like Captain Hornblower, Mary a character straight out of the funny pages. The three kings bear resemblance to vaudeville figures, and the baby reminds one of Gulliver in need of a remake.

But did you know that this scene is of crude ethnic origin? Artisans of the region of Paplanta have fashioned this pathetic tribute to salvation in progress. There is an almost human quality in the way the many little animals are cast. Their devout and inquisitive alertness contrasts sharply with the coarse and broken humanness of all other personages. The watermark of this nativity set are the traces of finger painting: black against green, they progressively turn gray and pink. Despair is gradually overcome as busy fingers, desperately hopeful, grope for the outstretched hand descending upon them. This hand is hovering where usually there is the star of Bethlehem pointing the way. But a star is not always a star. Fortunately, a star may be sometimes a hand. A star leads. A hand saves.