OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — COLOMBIA 89. ORANGE PEEL HOLY FAMILY
This Holy Family set is made from orange peels and other materials in Colombia. The orange peels, ordinarily a waste product, are turned into artistic creations by a group of women. What started out as a hobby has expanded into a business, and has engaged many other members of the community. The women are earning a fair wage to help their families, and the money is often spent on the education of their children. A copper wire is used for halos on the larger figures. Baby Jesus is 1.5 inches high (not including halo and star) and his parents are 3 inches high (not including halo).
The Nativities are handmade by Piel Acida, a small Colombian company that’s known for creating visually appealing decorations by giving new life to discarded orange peels. The most challenging task for Piel Acida is maintaining a stock of usable peels. Each day, a young courier rides his bicycle from house to house to collect peels, although many go to waste. Only those with the best texture and color are used to make these crafts.
In addition to its ten regular employees, Piel Acida employs fifteen “Mujer Empresaria” (business women) who assemble orange peel crafts from home. Mostly single mothers, they are able to stay with their families while earning a living wage. In addition, Piel Acida provides them health and vacation benefits, although it’s not legally required. A quality check is conducted before and after assembly to deliver the highest quality product. The figures will last forever if cared for properly, but their fragrance will gradually fade.
The Nativities are handmade by Piel Acida, a small Colombian company that’s known for creating visually appealing decorations by giving new life to discarded orange peels. The most challenging task for Piel Acida is maintaining a stock of usable peels. Each day, a young courier rides his bicycle from house to house to collect peels, although many go to waste. Only those with the best texture and color are used to make these crafts.
In addition to its ten regular employees, Piel Acida employs fifteen “Mujer Empresaria” (business women) who assemble orange peel crafts from home. Mostly single mothers, they are able to stay with their families while earning a living wage. In addition, Piel Acida provides them health and vacation benefits, although it’s not legally required. A quality check is conducted before and after assembly to deliver the highest quality product. The figures will last forever if cared for properly, but their fragrance will gradually fade.