OUR COLLECTION — LATIN AMERICA — MEXICO 18. PAINTED TIN NATIVITY
This 10-piece Nativity scene is handcrafted hojalatas (handworked tin). Each piece is hand-painted with protective shellac. This Nativity scene consists of Mary, Joseph, baby, angel, 3 wise men, a sheep, and a groovy green cow and blue donkey! The top of Joseph’s cane measures 9 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.