OUR COLLECTION — AFRICA — DR CONGO 107. ROSEWOOD NATIVITY
This 10-piece Nativity set was made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The pieces are made of rosewood and then stained with black shoe polish. The pieces include: Joseph, Mary, Jesus with manger, two shepherds with removable staffs, two animals, and three wise men. The shepherds stand 8 inches tall.
Congo carvings are rich in history and cultural significance. Carvings are rarely painted in bright colors. Earth and clay tones remind the artists that they are born from the earth. Using a small triangular carving knife, carvings are carved from wenge and ebony wood. A dried-out palm nut is used as sandpaper. When products require a hole, it is made with hot pointed sticks.
MCC workers in Congo are coordinating the collection and shipment of handicrafts from artisan groups located near Kinshasa. Even the smallest bit of income generated by marketing traditional crafts can be a means of survival for the people of Congo, where the economy provides little or no opportunity to make a living. Because of complicated social and political circumstances in Congo, sending shipments from this country is difficult and uncertain.
Congo carvings are rich in history and cultural significance. Carvings are rarely painted in bright colors. Earth and clay tones remind the artists that they are born from the earth. Using a small triangular carving knife, carvings are carved from wenge and ebony wood. A dried-out palm nut is used as sandpaper. When products require a hole, it is made with hot pointed sticks.
MCC workers in Congo are coordinating the collection and shipment of handicrafts from artisan groups located near Kinshasa. Even the smallest bit of income generated by marketing traditional crafts can be a means of survival for the people of Congo, where the economy provides little or no opportunity to make a living. Because of complicated social and political circumstances in Congo, sending shipments from this country is difficult and uncertain.