OUR COLLECTION — AFRICA — MALAWI 56. ABSTRACT MAHOGANY NATIVITY
This Nativity set is hand-carved from mahogany wood in Malawi. This set was carved in Mzuzu, a small village on the shore of lake Malawi. The set contains baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, three wise men, a shepherd with staff, an angel, the star, and three animals. The standing figures are approximately 7 inches tall. The star is 11 inches tall.
The prominent foreheads in this set reflect traditional African art. The tribal religion of Neawo (pronounced nee-ow) is still fairly widespread along the lake side and can be seen in artistic influences, even though Christianity is the dominant religion of Malawi.
The worshipers might carry practical gifts like a chicken (a gift one might give for a birth, wedding or other large celebration) or a sack of corn, which is a common gift brought to the house of a host as it is the staple food there.
This set was obtained from American missionaries working with orphans in Malawi.
The prominent foreheads in this set reflect traditional African art. The tribal religion of Neawo (pronounced nee-ow) is still fairly widespread along the lake side and can be seen in artistic influences, even though Christianity is the dominant religion of Malawi.
The worshipers might carry practical gifts like a chicken (a gift one might give for a birth, wedding or other large celebration) or a sack of corn, which is a common gift brought to the house of a host as it is the staple food there.
This set was obtained from American missionaries working with orphans in Malawi.