OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — HAITI 85. STEEL DRUM NATIVITY
This Nativity scene includes three separate pieces made from recycled steel oil drums. The center piece contains the Holy Family in a stable. A smaller piece contains a shepherd and lamb. The third piece contains the three wise men. The center piece measures 10 inches tall by 12 inches wide.
The stable piece is signed “CJM” by the artist; he chiseled his name on the side of this piece.
Resourceful artisans in the village of Croix-des-Bouquets in Haiti use recycled 55-gallon oil drums to make their traditional art. They cut out the top and bottom, and flatten the sides using their hands and feet. They clean the drums and any remaining oil residue is burned off. After flattening the drum, the artisan sketches a design on the metal and cuts intricate designs with only a hammer and chisel, using nearly the entire oil drum. After the edges are sanded smooth, the artisan applies varnish to keep the metal from rusting and dries it in the sun. Because Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world (the poorest in the Western Hemisphere), continuing orders for handicrafts are very important for artisans to provide basic needs for their families.
The stable piece is signed “CJM” by the artist; he chiseled his name on the side of this piece.
Resourceful artisans in the village of Croix-des-Bouquets in Haiti use recycled 55-gallon oil drums to make their traditional art. They cut out the top and bottom, and flatten the sides using their hands and feet. They clean the drums and any remaining oil residue is burned off. After flattening the drum, the artisan sketches a design on the metal and cuts intricate designs with only a hammer and chisel, using nearly the entire oil drum. After the edges are sanded smooth, the artisan applies varnish to keep the metal from rusting and dries it in the sun. Because Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world (the poorest in the Western Hemisphere), continuing orders for handicrafts are very important for artisans to provide basic needs for their families.