OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — MEXICO 153. TIN DIORAMA NATIVITY
This thin tin box houses a handcrafted hojalatas (handworked tin) Nativity scene. When the box is opened, all of the figures stand up on the base. This Nativity scene consists of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, an angel, three kings, a donkey, a sheep, and an awesome fuchsia cow. The painted backdrop depicts a mountain with cactus tree and house in the foreground. The box measure 9.5 inches by 5.5 inches. The figures measure up to 3 inches tall.
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.