OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — MEXICO 106. SMALL TIN NATIVITY
This small Nativity scene is handcrafted hojalatas (handworked tin). The 10 figures all fit conveniently in a small box. This Nativity scene consists of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, an angel, three kings, a donkey, a sheep, and a red cow. The figures stand 3.25 inches tall. The box measures 3.5 inches by 2.75 inches by 1.25 inches.
The art of working with tin-plated sheet metal is a specialty of Oaxaca, one of the major centers where there are several workshops located north of the city center. The work is done using a hammer, anvil, and a wide assortment of gravers and burins. Bending is done using many types of hand pliers and bending breaks. Many pieces are further decorated by hand-painting the designs with brilliant lacquer colors.
The art of working with tin-plated sheet metal is a specialty of Oaxaca, one of the major centers where there are several workshops located north of the city center. The work is done using a hammer, anvil, and a wide assortment of gravers and burins. Bending is done using many types of hand pliers and bending breaks. Many pieces are further decorated by hand-painting the designs with brilliant lacquer colors.