Carved in Bone
Mexico
Placido Hdz. Lopez
Setting – J. G. Roten

A prize-winning set at the 1993 Bellingham International Crèche Festival, this mini- nativity is carved in bone. The artist, a Chontal Indian, was nineteen years old at the time. The tiny, tiny figures are carved with a remarkable sense of precision and realism. Admire the face of Joseph, and the meditative posture of Mary. See the artfully-decorated gifts of the magi. Enjoy the humor of ox and ass playing with the Child. If nativity sets are first and foremost a pastoral aid created by artisans to teach young and old about Jesus' coming in this world, they can also be, and frequently are, beautiful pieces of art, real artwork. This mini-nativity set in bone falls in the latter category of artworks. Learning is greatly helped when beauty makes learning joyful.