Horse, Elephant and Camel
Unknown Artist
Mexico

The classical beauty of these figures would suggest an Italian or German origin... In fact, they are Mexican. There exists in Mexico, where Christmas lore is abundant and varied, a modest crèche tradition which goes back to the last century and the ephemeral reign of the luckless Emperor Maximilian. He brought to the new world samples of Austrian craftsmanship: a mixture of peasant style, gothic revival, and recently discovered orientalism.

The most prominent feature in this tradition is the three kings. Dominant, not to say domineering, they command attention. Dwarfing all other figures on their way, including the heavenly messenger, they do not look like weary God-seekers. Indeed, they no longer seek, they have found. The long, perilous and exhausting journey has reached a happy ending. The three beautiful animals stand for the inner dispositions or human qualities that made this relentless search possible. The impatiently snorting white horse which carries Melchoir, the King of Europe, is symbol of fearless enthusiasm without which no journey was ever begun. But enthusiasm needs to be sustained by sheer bottomless energy as symbolized in the monumental elephant which shoulders effortlessly not only Casper, the African king, but also his throne, canopy and driver. The camel is a symbol of endurance and right direction. The desert represents no threat and holds no secret for this animal. It leads King Balthasar, and his companions, patiently and securely to the even greater King's manger.