My House Is a House of Prayer
Mexico
Unknown

This set from Guerrero, Mexico, is a good example of lacquerware of the area. The richly decorated house shelters a host of figures, not least two dogs barking mightily in honor of the newborn King. The house is flanked by two guardian angels standing upright in a posture of praise. The facial expressions of the figures are in the style of indigenous, pre-Christian culture. The faces are flat, but pointed in the center reflecting human dignity (pointed parts) and dependence on God (flat parts). The setting of this nativity, the house covered with flowers, reminds us of the meaning of church. It is the place where Christ is born and reborn every time the memorial of his death and resurrection is celebrated.