New Life and Old Skins
Mexico
Raphael Arista
Setting – J. G. Roten

The paper-mache, of which this set is crafted, is a telltale sign. The procession of heavily laden folks represents people with fragile bones and parched skin. This is an old-folks nativity, indeed. It was created to honor the older generations among us. They bring a vast amount of life experience and achievements to the tiny Christ child. Their riches, not necessarily material wealth, are symbolized with full crates, rich pottery, and food of all kinds. They lead the way to the crèche for younger people. Originally designed by the artist to tell the seniors of his village that they were not a useless bother but an integral part of the community, this old-folks nativity makes a universal claim. It expresses gratitude to all those who went before us on the pilgrimage to find the humble Savior, and became pathfinders for us on a road always there but never the same.