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OUR COLLECTION — AFRICA — KENYA  479. STAINED GOURD NATIVITY

Picture
This Nativity features a kneeling Holy Family joined by a standing shepherd and two goats. The figures are made from bent wire frames wrapped with dried banana leaf fibers. Banana fiber is a versatile, colorful, and strong material that would otherwise be thrown away. A surprising level of detail is attained by the clever use of varying shades and textures of the fibers. The standing shepherd measures 4 inches tall.

The entire scene is housed in a stable made from a dried gourd. The artisans cut a door into the gourd, but this door is included with the Nativity. Two cowrie shells are attached to the gourd so that the door connects using strong rubber bands. The exterior of the gourd is polished with many coats of shoe polish to create its burgundy color. The artisans then carve designs all the way around the gourd to expose the natural color of the gourd beneath the polish. In the photo, a shepherd leads a camel toward the Holy Family. Other carvings on the gourd include two cattle and a large star. The gourd measures approximately 8 inches tall by 5 inches wide.
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This item is handmade by a group of youth in Nairobi, Kenya who are striving to earn money to support themselves and their families.
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